Les amants astronautes

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.

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?

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.

Having watched all of Berger's movies I was surprised that this time around he decided to actually show what one of the character's fantasies and more importantly to let them communicate like humans.

Javier Oran is one of the best actors Berger has found not just for this movie, he obviously elevates Bettoni's performance and brings nuances to Berger's dialogues with which most actors usually struggle.

Getting these actors and obviously more financing probably forced Berger to create one of his most sanitized films to-date. For someone unafraid of full frontals, his decision of not even showing the consumation of the will-they-wont-they dynamic seems extremely out of character. It reminded me of Guadagino's decision to move the camera away instead of showing us what we would definitely see if the scene were between a straight couple.

I have complained in the past of the monotony in most of Berger's movies. However, this time I missed having some of his signature style: silence and close-ups, letting us imagine just for a little while what the characters were thinking of..I would have appreciated it at least once.

I also want to recognize that we have better actors in supporting roles, especially Pedro's cousin and his girlfriend (not Sabrina, sadly) and that Berger allowed them to state the obvious: that our two main characters spend so much time together. It's at least a cute wink given that Maxi is friends with everyone else in that house and they are constantly together only because the script needs them to.

Even if Pedro and Maxi's private exchanges become a little tiresome towards the end (and gross), I choose to stick with the better parts of the movie: the main actors and my renewed interest in this filmmaker's work. Hopefully he'll be able to create in the future something that happens in just one night (or in the span of several weeks) making more plausible the constant exchange between males that he loves to portray.

Quiet, intimate, and emotionally honest.

The Astronaut Lovers is a slow but rewarding film that explores male friendship, attraction, and identity with subtlety and care. The performances feel natural, and the chemistry between the leads carries the story. There's not much plot, but the emotional tension builds in a way that feels real and personal. It's a film that trusts the audience to feel rather than be told. Not for everyone, but deeply moving if it hits you right.

Marco Berger's best film.

Synopsis: The line between reality and fantasy is blurred when two friends are reunited. Pedro is openly gay and Maxi is curious, let the role play begin.