Hasta la Vista (2011)

Directed by: Geoffrey Enthoven | 115 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Tom Audenaert, Gilles de Schryver, Robrecht vanden Thoren, Isabelle de Hertogh, Karel Vingerhoets, Katelijne Verbeke, Asta Philpot, Karlijn Sileghem, Kimke Desart, Marilou Mermans, Johan Heldenbergh, Ivan Pecnik, Veerle Baetens, Manou Kersting, Aafke Bruining, Philippe Rasse, Itziar Luengo, Ana Ruiz Sanchez, Amanda Hernandez, Vanessa Lobera, Jessica Aguilar, Chantal Purvi, Isabel Garcia Rojas, Kristina Petriasova, Charlotte Timmers, Roos van Vlaenderen, Xandra van Welden, Luc Verhoeven, Tuur de Weert

‘Hasta la Vista’ by director Geoffrey Enthoven is based on a true story. In 2006, 29-year-old American Asta Philpot, who was confined to a wheelchair, took a trip to Spain with two disabled friends to lose his virginity in a brothel. The BBC made the documentary ‘For one night only’ about this in 2007 and in 2011 Pierre de Clerq used this documentary as a stepping stone for the scenario of ‘Hasta la Vista!’

How do you film the taboo of sex for the disabled in a morally responsible manner? Movies with both these ingredients often end up in flat or shitty fun. Enthoven knows how to keep the balance in ‘Hasta la Vista’. It never gets too crude, too easy or too sentimental, although the director doesn’t shy away from a few ‘takers’ in the latter area. The special road movie navigates between funny, moving, sad and hilarious. The viewer is presented with a palette of perfectly dosed emotions.

Three handicapped friends and wine lovers, Philip (paralyzed up to the neck), Lars (limited to a wheelchair by a tumor) and the almost blind Joseph, decide out of frustration about the lack of ‘real’ sex (Philip: “I want a real feel a woman’s body. I want to fuck!”) to take a trip to the Spanish brothel ‘El Cielo’ (heaven). Under the guise of a wine trip, they try to convince their parents of the necessity of this trip. Of course they are not eager to give their unconditional approval to this project. Because, who will serve as carer/driver?

In the end, the trio secretly sets off with the stoic Claude (Isabelle de Hertogh’s magnificent role) as the obese female support and refuge. Along the way, the friendship is put to the test and the ultimate reward (SEX!) doesn’t seem important anymore. We see a mix of frustration, genuine friendship and cynicism. Especially with Philip, vicious sides float to the surface. The threesome have fun, argue and grow closer together with driver/nurse Claude as a positive catalyst. Funny highlight is the first overnight stay near Paris. The handicapped all insist on getting their own room, but eventually end up in one room together. A literal example of the blind helping the lame.

‘Hasta la Vista’ is a catchy, well-dosed tragicomedy with a very sympathetic feel. Credible characters who make an ‘undiscussable subject’ nicely insightful. It is not without reason that the film was voted ‘Best socially engaged film of 2011’ in Belgium (the Perspectiefprijs). The film also won the Audience Award at the Northern Film Festival in Leeuwarden and the Grand Prix des Americas at the World Film Festival in Montreal. The Belgian film industry manages to surprise time and again. After ‘The Unfortunateness of Things’, ‘Loft’ and ‘Rundskop’, ‘Hasta la Vista’ adds a new pearl to this.