Inseparables

Filmmaker Marcos Carnevale's Inseparables puts an Argentinean spin on the 2011 French box office smash Intouchables. In this version (credited to original writer-directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache), the characters are not from different races or countries, but the class division remains. Manual laborer Tito (Rodrigo de la Serna) meets quadriplegic businessman Felipe (Oscar Martínez) when the former does some gardening work for the widowed latter. And when Felipe finds himself in need of an attendant, he rejects all of the applicants that associate Yvonne (Alejandra Flechner) sends his way, preferring Tito—who has no experience—because Tito talks to him like an equal rather than an object of pity. Nonetheless, Felipe bets Tito that he won't last two weeks. And Tito can't afford to refuse the offer since his aunt just kicked him out of her apartment. Tito also has his eye on Verónica (Carla Peterson), Felipe's comely assistant, but she rebuffs his crude advances. Other than the potential for romance, Inseparables generates little suspense, since Felipe and Tito get along pretty well right from the start. Tito makes lots of mistakes (which the director plays for comedy), but learns quickly enough, and the men enjoy comparing notes about (and sometimes ogling) women, smoking cigarettes, and racing around town in Felipe's sports car. Although inspired by a true story, much of this plays like fantasy (an American version starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart is scheduled for release in 2018). A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)