AN UNEXPECTED LOVE (EL AMOR MENOS PENSADO) Charmingly Uncovers a Love Beyond Labels5 min read

Reading Time: 4 minutes

After the departure of their only one son to study overseas, a 25-years marriage faces its split, questioning themselves about love, desire, the passing of time and what really they want in life.

Director: Juan Vera

Cast: Ricardo Darin, Mercedes Morán, Claudia Fontán, Luis Rubio, Andrea Pietra

Year: 2018

Country: Argentina

Language: Spanish

Runtime: 136 minutes

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In all the best ways, writer-director Juan Vera’s An Unexpected Love reminded me of Rupert Holmes’ ‘Escape’ (The Piña Colada Song). Like the 1979 megahit, the tender and witty film felt like a cheeky celebration of finding joy in love that has long passed its most intense stages. I think it is a theme that is hardly explored by filmmakers mostly because of how difficult it is to express; a difficulty that An Unexpected Love overcomes with ease. 

The film begins with Marcos (Ricardo Darin) and Ana’s (Mercedes Morán) only son, Luciano (Andres Gil), leaving for Spain to further his studies. Both middle-aged parents soon feel a sharp void in their lives, especially when it seems that they have done it all in their lifelong marriage. They soon readily agree to go their separate ways in pursuit of love, meaning and happiness.

At its core, An Unexpected Love is a clash of two ideals. On one side, we have Ana, who relishes her newfound freedom and immediately jumps into the dating pool. Morán effortlessly infuses her character with ardor and confidence as she swaggers down the halls and streets of beautiful Buenos Aires, longing for adventure. 

On the other hand, Marcos’ spends the first few weeks after the separation holed up in an apartment, staying up at night playing video games with his friends – it seems like some things transcend nationality and age. Marcos may be much more reserved than his ex-wife but they are both confident in their own ways. His search for happiness may be vague but he soldiers on throughout the film, with Darin’s captivating portrayal and roguish looks making for a magnetic personality.

Anchoring An Unexpected Love is its spectacular script, doing an outstanding job in keeping the film witty, playful, and alluring. Right from the start, the deep history between the two leads is gracefully alluded to through regales of memories and conversational quirks. This, coupled with the delightful chemistry between the two leads, drives the plot forward, with the audience desperate for them to just get back together by the film’s end.

The cast of quirky characters that the two leads meet during their three-year long separation each make their own memorable mark and fill the movie with zest – ranging from a creepy perfumer to a particularly aggressive Tinder date. The people that the leads do pursue relationships with are surprisingly grounded. From an old painter to Marcos’ friend from university, each of them feel fleshed out with their own history, pains and joys, and each affecting the leads in their own beautiful ways. 

An Unexpected Love’s endless discussions and musings on the vagueness of love struck a particularly addictive chord. While its story is told through a period of three years, there are never any sharp cuts in its narrative. Instead it nimbly navigates through the months, creating an incisive pace. Overall, the script tackles its theme and premise with gusto; always witty, profound and never heavy handed. 

The cinematography is no slouch in the storytelling department either. The clash in Marcos and Ana’s personalities is highlighted through the use of homely blues and burning reds, beautifully colliding together whenever both share the frame. This is backed by the camera’s capture of the vibrancy of Buenos Aires’ streets and its upbeat soundtrack, further complementing the playful nature of the film.

Google translate may be notoriously spotty but I found that its translation of the film’s original title as ‘The Less Thought (of) Love’ is a much more succinct summary of its themes, while adding onto its poignancy. By the end of their adventure, the relationship that Marcos and Ana share felt genuine and sweet, thanks to its strong script, performances and camera work. 

Check out the trailer here: