16/03/2023 - Mario Hernández's lightly romantic comedy features two characters who meet up in secret at the Malaga Film Festival itself... but not to watch any film

There is a huge hotel in Malaga, located next to the cathedral and opposite the port, which hosts the artistic teams coming to present their films at the Malaga Film Festival, currently celebrating its 26th edition. Much of the action unfolds here in Tregua(s) [+see also:
trailer
interview: Mario Hernández
film profile], the first feature film for Mario Hernández and one of the surprises of this year’s festival, competing for the Golden Biznaga.

The film features Salva Reina, who plays a screenwriter, and Bruna Cusí (queen of the festival’s official section this year, as she is also in Golem [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Burnin’ Percebes
film profile] and Upon Entry [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Alejandro Rojas and Juan Se…
film profile]) who plays an acting star. They meet up in secret at this aforementioned hotel not to discuss film, but - after doing what they had already thought about doing - to reflect on the diverging directions of their lives. Lovers for years, they have their respective long-term partners, but continue to maintain their passion in sporadic and secret moments made easier by sharing the same working environment.

This is a film that takes place in the world of film, but is quite theatrical. It takes place on a few stages and is built on dialogue, with a lack of humour provided by Reina, a comedian known for works such as Todos lo hacen [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Con quién viajas [+see also:
trailer
film profile]. Hernández is not ashamed of it and, although the first half hour is slightly dense and tiring, once he gets the characters out of bed emotion sets in and an unexpected ending manages to surprise... albeit with a shade of disbelief.

In any case, Tregua(s) manages to be both light and profound, with a few jokes, a song and two more than empathetic beings who question how much they are who they are because of their comfortable lives and the fact that they have managed to keep the lows of the everyday from affecting this secret relationship. In this respect, this film (as well as the titles mentioned by its director in this interview) is akin to Nola Darling (1986), Spike Lee's debut film where the protagonist knew how to enjoy the talents of her three lovers - one made her laugh, another helped her have fun and the third stimulated her brain - without giving any of them up.

Without being overly romantic or dramatic, and with a humble technical production that betrays its independent nature, Hernández's fresh approach with this film is that we should not put strict labels on our actions. We should enjoy the key moments apart to get away from our daily lives; oases of fantasy that we should nurture in order to aspire to something resembling balance.

Tregua(s) is produced by Godello Entertainment, Producciones La Cochera, Sierra Gador Producciones and The Lobby. It will be released in Spanish cinemas on 26 May, distributed by Syldavia Cinema.

(Translated from Spanish by Vicky York)