L'amante dell'astronauta

A love story, tantalizing and magnetic to attract the lead characters closer to the inevitability of their desires and affections for one another. Marco Burger is a master of this genre of creating and bringing emotional tension to a climax. A tender romance that does not disappoint. The actors are brilliant in their chemistry and uncontrived. There are moments when their interactions step off the stage and seem convincingly real. A real life, with real people and real consequences. And sweet resolution, resolved by gentle emotions and romance, supreme and rare. This film is memorable, leaving you fulfilled but still wanting more. Perfectly balanced, sensual and satisfying cinema.

I just finished The Astronaut Lovers (Los Amantes Astronautas), and honestly, I really enjoyed it. It's a beautifully shot, slow-burn romance that plays with themes of friendship, identity, and the blurred lines between platonic and romantic feelings.

The story follows Pedro, who comes back to Argentina for a vacation and reconnects with his childhood friend, Maxi. What starts as a lighthearted, almost teasing dynamic between them slowly unravels into something deeper. The film doesn't rush anything-it lingers in quiet moments, loaded glances, and the kind of tension that makes you hold your breath.

Lautaro Bettoni and Javier Orán have fantastic chemistry. Their performances feel natural, making every interaction between them feel authentic, even when their characters are caught up in confusion and miscommunication. There's humor woven into the dialogue, but it never undercuts the emotional weight of their connection-it actually makes it feel more real.

Visually, the film is stunning. The coastal setting is the perfect backdrop, creating this sense of openness and freedom, but also a quiet loneliness that reflects what's happening between Pedro and Maxi. Marco Berger's direction is subtle, letting the emotions simmer rather than forcing them, which I really appreciated.

I love how the film explores attraction and desire without needing grand gestures or over-the-top drama. It's intimate, honest, and beautifully restrained in a way that lingers with you. If you're into queer cinema with a strong emotional core and a thoughtful take on love and self-discovery, The Astronaut Lovers is definitely worth watching.

I'm familiar with Berger's works so I have no issues with the slow pace of the film.

Beautifully shot but I would not venture to call this film a "romantic film". Now, I'm willing to say some things may have gotten lost in translation (English) but romance, this is not. Why? Well, the dialogue is heavy on sexual innuendo and tension. That yells infatuation or simply a sexual fling. I was waiting for both characters to get into heavy dialogue (even for 5 minutes) instead of the incessant jocular jock/frat dialogue (considering the ending which has me a little confused).

The chemistry between both lead actors is incredible. Their interaction felt very natural which is a massive plus for the film. The sexual tension was also palpable. But there was something else missing (and the subtitles were far too quick for me). I'm just so conflicted about this film: what are the lessons? What's the objective? Is this simply a summer fling or long term? What's the attraction - beyond the physical - of these two characters? What bonds them? I'm guessing acting like teenagers?

There are some frustrations that this film goes nowhere, or too slow. But if you're familiar Berger's filmography, this is what his trademark is. It's subtle, quiet, grounded and conversation-heavy. But i think that's what makes his films special. It's the opposite of the stereotypical grandiose hollywood films.

And it's the same with The Astronaut Lovers. The whole film just the 2 leads talking, playing the game of chicken. It's cute, romantic and heartwarming. Bettoni and Orán did a very good job as the leads, the soundtrack is amazing and lots of beautiful shot. But i love the most is the writing, it's honest, sincere and compassionate. The characters are well developed and genuine which makes the whole story flows naturally. The writing is everything but shallow.

10/10 Berger's best film. I LOVE the easter eggs of Berger's past films.

Argentine Writer/Director Marco Berger once again repeats the same formula used in his previous productions such as 'Plan B' (2009) and 'Hawaii' (2013): two young men, both sexually fluid, who were childhood friends and eventually develop a deep love for one another. Nonetheless, it works!

This film touches on one of the ultimate gay fantasies, where true, honest, and eternal love may exist between any two men. The dialog and intimate visual imagery, without a single sex scene, are superb and hit the mark by creating anticipation throughout the narrative and that 'feel good' sensation in the end.