THE OTHER WAY AROUND
SPAIN
Director: Jonás Trueba
Cast: Itsaso Arana, Vito Sanz, Fernando Trueba
Genre: Comedy, Drama
112 minutes; Spanish, French with English subtitles – 2024
Rating: 16 D L
Ale and Alex both work in the film industry. They are cool, hip people, with seemingly mature and accomplished lives. Yet after 15 years together they have decided to separate; it’s a ‘mutually agreed decision’ we are told. Furthermore, they have come up with the idea of throwing a party to celebrate the break-up. How is that going to fly?!
This gentle comedy drama teases out witty and highly believable performances from the cast and some revealing insight into how relationships work…. or don’t work. Sprinkled with philosophical and filmic references, self-reflexive flourishes and cinematographic playfulness, The Other Way Around is a delightful showcase for the Spanish director’s lithe, airy style. The film premiered in the Directors Fortnight at the recent Cannes Festival.
Trueba and his co-writers subvert the codes of a romantic story, orchestrating a story of separation as if it were the preparation of a wedding.
Javier Díaz-Salado, Fotogramas
With a narrative that’s rich in cultural references and sensitive execution, The Other Way Around transcends comedy to become a profound exploration of human nature and interpersonal connections.
Juan Pablo Russo, EscribiendoCine
Trueba is able to bring nuance and a contemporary attitude to the played out ‘breakup comedy’ genre.
Ankit Jhunjhunwala, ScreenAnarchy
In posing substantive questions about the nature of romance and relationships, it’s smarter than virtually any American studio romantic comedy of recent years.
Adam Solomons, indieWire
Trueba has drawn a funny little valentine, shot through by a bright, sharp arrow of feeling.
Jessica Kiang, Variety
