Relationship dramas often revolve around the fulfillment or the loss of love. They explore the things that lead to a separation, a newfound realization, or a reunion. Besides, they also shed light on the differing worldviews of the two people in question. Although love is a central and recurring element, romance isn’t integral for them to be effective. Jonas Trueba’s “The Other Way Around” (Volveréis / Septembre sans attendre) is one such example that hilariously explores a couple’s odd dilemma.
It follows filmmaker Ale (Itsaso Arana) & actor Alex (Vito Sanz), who decide to separate after 15 years as a couple. Usually, separations aren’t considered the grounds for celebration. But the couple decides to throw a party to celebrate their announcement. There’s a reason behind this seemingly outrageous and unorthodox decision. In the past, Ale’s father had said that people should celebrate separations rather than their unions. Regardless of whether the father meant what he said or not, Ale & Alex decide to follow it.
The couple goes on with their routines as usual. But there’s also a practical element of separation. Sooner or later, they will need to live separately. So, they start getting rid of things they don’t need anymore. Meanwhile, they meet their friends and family members to invite them to the party. Most of them do not believe that Ale & Alex are separating. They also consider this party to be a joke. After all, who in their sane mind would celebrate a break-up? But the couple sticks to their plans.
Besides, the couple keeps repeating Ale’s father’s quote to every person they meet to talk about their future. At times, it feels like they are reminding themselves why they planned a party to begin with. Since they don’t hate each other, they start looking for flaws in each other’s behavior. Whether it is about Alex not being as successful as other actors or some issues in Ale’s directorial work, they behave as if they want to justify their separation. Although their love is apparent to others, they refuse to acknowledge it.
They seem almost frustrated to find hardly anything to dislike each other. Be it Ale or Alex, they discuss their emotions as if they are philosophical theories. But they don’t acknowledge how they feel beneath the surface. They tell others that their separation will make them grow as individuals. Yet, everything that lies between their words expresses their deep mutual attachment.
The screenplay, written by Jonás Trueba, Itsaso Arana, and Vito Sanz, finds ample humor in the couple’s sophisticated facade. Their underlying emotions are never explicitly expressed, which makes the film all the more effective. The film presents varying perspectives about separation that shape their informed thought process. Some people mock them, others don’t believe them, while others question their intent behind bringing a theory to practice without any thought. The film uses elements of their professions and their pasts to explain their psychological tragedy. In films, you can reshape the conclusion as a writer/ editor/director, according to your preference. Real life is rarely that controllable or predictable.
“The Other Way Around” cleverly uses the discourse surrounding Ale’s upcoming film to illustrate the integral aspects of any relationship and how they correspond to Ale and Alex. It brings up themes of control, power, and status to make the couple ask themselves whether separation is a logical conclusion for their relationship. They begin to question what purpose a celebration serves in their lives.
The dialogue-driven screenplay presents conversations that flow organically. They never hit a false note. Often, they are deliberate, bringing up things that the couple needs to contemplate. For example, another couple of creative professionals talk about rising housing prices. It makes Ale and Alex think about the cost of living as a couple and an individual. Yet, the subtext is never force-fed.
Beyond all its well-executed humor, the film has a tender drama at its core. Itsaso Arana and Vito Sanz are fantastic as a couple who is ignorant or out of touch with their underlying emotions. Through their thoughtful performances and brilliant on-screen chemistry, they make the film work beyond its intriguing premise.
