Medianeras is one of the hidden gems in this year’s film festival programme, and a romantic comedy with a difference… it’s actually funny and charming – words often used for rom-coms but rarely backed up on screen. I was fortunate enough to see this film at the Wellington programme launch and I can honestly say that it should be on your ‘must see’ list.

It’s a little difficult to write a preview for a film I’ve already seen, but I’ll give it a go without trying to give too much away. The review I’ll save for when Medianeras has actually screened at the fest.

Based on an award-winning short film by the same Director, Gustavo Taretto, Medianeras bring us two young singles (Mariana and Martin) living in the sprawling metropolis that is Buenos Aires. Both live a very similar existence (introverted and slightly nerdy) and are looking for ‘the one’. However, having been through painful break-ups, both Mariana and Martin are content to settle for whoever shows an interest – when they can be bothered leaving their apartments that is. I know that doesn’t sound all that exciting but the portrayal of their lives is actually quite hilarious. The two are completely suited but despite crossing paths on more than one occasion, they have never actually met. Cue the anticipation!

As you can see by the trailer, the director also uses Buenos Aires as a main character in the film; providing an almost art gallery-style look at the city in order to show that beauty can be found anywhere – even within a concrete-infested jungle.

If I’m honest the film’s more of a romantic dramedy than a romanic comedy, and the trailer certainly plays up the dramatic side of the film. But I can assure you that there’s a lot more comedy in the film than appears in the trailer and a harmonious balance is found between the romantic, comedic and dramatic elements.

If you like your rom-coms (or should that be rom-droms?) quirky and with a bit of depth, like 500 Days of Summer and When Harry Met Sally, then Medianeras will definitely be up your street. I’m the first to admit that I’m not the biggest rom-com fan in the world, but this film would sit pride of place in my DVD collection any day.

Enjoy!

Two neighbours in Buenos Aires, Mariana and Martin, live across from each other on the same block, but never met. They constantly pass each other, not knowing about the other’s existence. The city that brings them together, keeps them apart.

Directed by Gustavo Taretto, Medianeras stars Pilar Lopez de Ayala (Juana la Loca), Javier Drolas, Ines Efron, Carla Peterson, Rafa Ferro, and Adrian Navarro.

Head on over to the film fest website to see when Medianeras is playing near you.

Will you be going to see Medianeras? What rom-coms do you think actually live up to their hype? What’s your favourite rom-com of all time? Mine’s probably When Harry Met Sally.