From Afar (2016) (Spanish Language)

Review

93min

Genre:      Drama

Director:   Lorenzo Vigas

Cast:        Alfredo Castro, Luis Silva, Jericó Montilla…and more

Writers:    Lorenzo Vigas and Guillermo Arriaga

-Synopsis-

A complex Venezuelan drama and “Golden Lion” winner at last year’s Venice Film Festival,  about a psychologically troubled middle-aged man who seeks solace in the company of young men, when an encounter with a young street criminal forges an unexpected relationship which changes both their lives.

For his feature directorial debut, Venezuelan writer/director Lorenzo Vigas wisely secures the talents of veteran Chilean actor Alfredo Castro to star as “Armando”; a middle-aged, middle class dental technician loner, whose childhood trauma has left  him seeking the sexual company of young men, the only human connection he seems to have.

But his regimented life is thrown upside down when he meets “Elder”, played by young debutant Luis Silva; a tough young street punk with his own troubled upbringing, who forms a “friendship” of convenience with Armando which unexpectedly develops into a deeper bond, and a risky one in a society with little acceptance of homosexuality.

‘From Afar’ has been labelled as a modern “gay romance”, but even in our more understanding society it’s unconventional, and given the parties involved somewhat controversial. This dark and gritty but ultra-realist drama is subtle and atmospheric, without ever succumbing to melodrama and by the end is much more a gripping psychological portrait than a romance.

The film’s title refers to how the conflicted lead characters hesitantly engage in their own sexuality, but it’s also no doubt a reflection on “Armando’s” psyche, a man who seems destined to observe life from a distance rather than risking the pain of living it.

A complex man, brilliantly captured by Alfredo Castro who to anyone who has seen his previous work like the memorable ‘Tony Manero’, seems to have become a master of the stoic, detached and fundamentally flawed character. Using his deadpan face and piercing eyes which seem to magnify any scraps of emotion shown, and which betray something sinister boiling underneath.

With a limited budget, director Lorenzo Vigas unsurprisingly shoots handheld and often in guerrilla style on the noisy and crowded city streets. Using close-ups effectively and making good use of the over-the-shoulder shot, often following Armando and pulling focus on his back while slightly blurring out the city around him as he purposefully strides through the Caracas streets.

As a foreign language slow-burn drama which steers well clear of dramatic bells & whistles, ‘From Afar’ might not be a hit with general audiences. But this unconventional “romance” is exceptionally well acted and expertly executed, with more than enough tension to keep you engaged through to the final and unexpected twist.

The Bottom Line…

An assured debut from Lorenzo Vigas; ‘From Afar’ is a tense unconventional contemporary love story and gripping minimalist drama, an intriguing character study brought to life by a subtle and masterful lead performance from Alfredo Castro… and with a real sting in the tail.

Similar films you may like (Home Video)

Tony Manero (2008)

During Pinochet’s brutal rule in late 1970s Chile, a stoic and detached middle-aged man plunges deeper into his obsession with John Travolta’s disco character in ‘Saturday Night Fever’, an obsession which takes him to dark psychological places and has conesequences for those around him in director Pablo Larraín’s unconventional but memorable drama.

Directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Alfredo Castro, Amparo Noguera and Héctor Morales among others.

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