An Unexpected Love – El amor menos pensado (2018)

Directed by: Juan Vera | 136 minutes | comedy, drama, romance | Actors: Ricardo Darín, Mercedes Morán, Claudia Fontán, Luis Rubio, Andrea Pietra, Jean Pierre Noher, Norman Briski, Juan Minujín, Gabriel Corrado, Andrea Politti, Claudia Lapacó, Chico Novarro, Andres Gil, Irene Tsou, Mariu Fernández, Alejandro Maci Marcelo Xicarts, Paula Sartor, Victoria Góngora, Roberta Maegli, Luis Longhi

‘An Unexpected Love’ (‘El amor menos pensado’) is about the Argentinean Marcos (Ricardo Darin) and Ana (Mercedes Morán), a seemingly happily married couple. When the film starts, they are just saying goodbye to their son Luciano, who is going to study in Spain. When Luciano gets on the plane, both spouses are overcome by melancholy and accompanying emotions. Convinced that they have accomplished the upbringing well, the conclusion of this period is celebrated with wine and flirtation. Marcos and Ana respect and love each other. But is that enough to spend the rest of their lives together?

Marriage crises come in all shapes and sizes. Triggered by cheating, falling in love, financial problems, a midlife crisis or empty nest syndrome, there are countless causes and no story is the same. That’s why it’s so striking that ‘An Unexpected Love’ still feels like something you’ve seen or experienced before. A candid conversation between the two, in which Ana confesses that she is no longer in love with her husband, is quickly, and yes, too quickly, followed by a scene in which the divorce has been over for a few months. The film then focuses on the separate events in the lives of Marcos and Ana, who are both desperately trying to give their lives a new meaning.

In this light-hearted drama, this is of course accompanied by a number of funny, but rather embarrassing displays. It is not easy to find a suitable partner as a middle-aged single. This includes pushing your limits, including those of your sexual ones. This results in some nice dialogues. At the same time, the situations Marcos and Ana find themselves in are predictable and chewed out.

What keeps ‘An Unexpected Love’ going are the acting performances. Most people will identify with Marcos best as he is the more reasonable of the two. Ricardo Darin shines in this role, which fits him like a glove, but in which he nevertheless impresses. His facial expressions and looks often speak louder than his words. Ana is, especially towards her son, clinging to her principles, without showing any appreciation for him. She’s also just plain mean at times. Mercedes Morán conveys that perfectly. You notice that deep down she also struggles with all kinds of dilemmas that aging brings. The supporting roles – especially a few friends with whom the couple is close – are also well filled.

‘An Unexpected Love’ certainly does not end unexpectedly, but thanks to the cast it is quite pleasant to stay in this light-hearted Argentine relationship drama.