Review: Truman (2015)

Director: Cesc Gay | 108 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Ricardo Darín, Javier Cámara, Dolores Fonzi, Eduard Fernández, Troilo, Alex Brendemühl, Pedro Casablanc, José Luis Gómez, Javier Gutiérrez, Elvira Mínguez, Oriol Pla, Nathalie Poza, Àgata Roca, Susi Sánchez, Francesc Orella, Ana Gracia Silvia Abascal, Pepa Charro

The surprise is enormous when Julián opens his front door and sees his best friend Tomás standing before him, whom he has not seen in years. Both men are moved and Julián is pleasantly surprised to learn that Tomás will stay in Madrid for four days, which must be wonderful for the Spaniard who has moved to Canada. Juliáns Bullmastiff Truman, in turn, watches the reunion and shuffles down the hall at ease.

However, the reason for Tomás’ visit is less cheerful. Julián has lung cancer and Tomás wants to assist his buddy and help where he can. That he can help out financially is the first item on the agenda. He lets Truman out and together – albeit without a dog – they go to the vet, which will turn out to be a very uncomfortable visit. Because Julián wants Truman to be adopted and asks the vet for advice on whether Truman can mentally cope with losing his “father”.

Tomás also goes to the oncologist. The doctor proposes a new round of life-extending chemotherapy, but Julián made his decision a long time ago; he is done with it. To prepare herself and Truman for the inevitable, Julián receives a number of books on death and psychology for dogs from Tomás.

‘Truman’ is a film that knows how to handle feeling. Whether it’s lightheartedness, funny situations, boring everyday conversations or tough decisions, the pallet of emotions and the big farewell is abundantly represented. A very human script with the undertone “It is the way it is” written by Cesc Gay.

Actors Ricardo Darín (‘El secreto de sus ojos’) and Javier Cámara (‘Hable con ella’) play their roles so small and precise that every word and every facial expression is conveyed very sincerely. The grief that Julián feels about the impending farewell to his second “child” Truman, flows through the story and is very tangible from time to time. Many dog ​​owners will not keep it dry when they see ‘Truman’. Bring a handkerchief and give the dog an extra pat on the head when you return home.