10.000 Km

Opening to a rather explicit sex scene, we are introduced to Alex and Sergi; a Spanish couple living in Barcelona. Continuing from that is a lengthy, yet stunning, 23 minute one-take-shot. During that elusively choreographed sequence they talk, wash and eat as we find out everything we need to know about the couple.

Alex, played by Natalia Tena (Harry Potter's Tonks), is a photographer who is struggling to find work locally, and her partner, Sergi (David Verdergauer) is a teacher. But there intimate relationship together suddenly gets shaky as Alex is offered a fully-paid working job in Los Angeles for one year… After some discussion, she accepts. However Sergi is unable to join her due to teaching commitments. This is where issues arise.

Now a continent apart (or more specifically 10,000km) their relationship is put to the test. Topical, as long distance relationships do not usually last, yet the characters are aware and highlight the pros and cons.

But the real intelligence of 10,000km comes from director Carlos Marques-Marcet. Absent of any other surroundings, the film is set in just merely two locations in Sergi's Barcelona flat and Alex's LA apartment.

Their relationship continues via Skype, WhatsApp and Google Earth. Hindered by technology, they attempt to remain sensitive and in love. But as days pass (chronicled on screen with titles; Day two, Day 88, Day 116 etc), it inevitably becomes difficult to continue. At one point Sergi demands 'Can we talk about something else that isn't our relationship?' – Isolated and gripping, 10,000km studies the bounds of romance like no film before it.

Marques-Marcet's feature debut film is ambitious as it is ingenious and it thrives on the narrative. Very worthy of the Best Foreign Film at next year's Academy Awards perhaps?

I thought this was really quite dull overall. It's hardly an original story and I got quite bored mid way through. The characters are nice enough but it's pretty predictable and didn't really 'grab' me. I suppose the script is fairly decent, there are some fairly poignant pieces of dialogue, though there are other times when little is said at all and there's not much content there...I guess it could move some people, it is sad to see how things change but I didn't find it exactly surprising or anything. The performances are good but it's pretty slow, plot pace wise. If anything appealed to me about it, I'd say its the technology aspect - relying on the internet, Google street view, photos etc. For her to convey what she's seeing and doing, is interesting. I suppose after the COVID19 lockdowns, people have been forced to rely on technology to stay in touch with others. I didn't mind that part of the story but I wouldn't say this film is primarily about the power or ability of technology to maintain a relationship alone. It's only a part of it, if that makes any sense. It's thoughtful but I think it's a bit too sparse for my liking really. I imagine some may regard it as quietly devastating but I'm not sure I really felt that, personally. I can see what they were getting at though.

Overall I wouldn't recommend it as such, no.

... as far as movies dealing with long distance relationships go 10k KM should be considered as one of the better ones... out-of-sight out-of-mind is much to contend with... being unfaithful to one's partner made easier when you can drift apart, not having to go back and see the other person regularly... can you fall out of love with someone.. sure... can you fall back-in-love again, sure

... he tells her to go out and experience the city, make new friends, have shared experiences... actually he's really saying she must let go of him, so what could he expect, he's not going to live there, she's not returning back, at least for now or soon

... it's not that they no longer have anything in common, just that they no longer have the intimate bond of physical-intimacy helping-keeping them together... that hands-on-contact we all crave-need-regularly.

Just a quick review to encourage people to see this lovely, impressive film:

10,000km is a beautiful drama about the difficulties of long-distance relationships. The entire film consists of interactions between a couple (we never see anyone else or leave their flats), mostly through skype or messaging. But believe it or not, it's completely enthralling throughout. The two leads are excellent, bringing both humour and deep emotion to their characters, while the director - in his feature debut - pulls in a variety of tricks to keep things interesting. An honest, quietly powerful film that I hope gets the recognition it deserves. Watch it if you get the chance, and then spread the word.

"10.000 Km" is a powerful and deeply affecting romantic drama film that explores the complexities of long-distance relationships in the modern age. Directed by Carlos Marqués-Marcet, the film offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the challenges and rewards of love in the digital age.

One of the most striking aspects of "10.000 Km" is its realism. The film is shot in a highly naturalistic style, with a handheld camera and minimal editing, which gives it a raw and authentic quality. The characters and their experiences feel grounded in reality, and the film's exploration of modern communication technology and its effects on relationships is both insightful and thought-provoking.

The two lead actors, Natalia Tena and David Verdaguer, deliver powerful and nuanced performances that capture the subtle emotional nuances of their characters' experiences. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions feel genuine and heartfelt.

In addition to its strong performances and realistic portrayal of long-distance relationships, "10.000 Km" is also visually stunning. The film's cinematography captures the beauty and vibrancy of both Los Angeles and Barcelona, and the contrast between the two cities serves as a powerful metaphor for the distance and disconnection between the two lead characters.

Overall, "10.000 Km" is a deeply affecting and powerful film that offers a realistic and insightful portrayal of long-distance relationships in the modern age. Its combination of raw emotional honesty, strong performances, and stunning cinematography make it a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas. I would give it an 8 out of 10.