Written and directed by Marco Berger, The Astronaut Lovers is a queer romantic comedy that starts with promise but ultimately falls short of its emotional potential. While the film’s two leads, Lautaro Bettoni as Maxi and Javier Orán as Pedro, have undeniable chemistry, the story surrounding them struggles to justify its runtime. It’s a lot of hit-or-miss dialogue that sometimes veers from charming to downright dreadful.
The film centers on a flirtation between two old friends, with Maxi playfully (and persistently) toying with Pedro’s feelings. What begins as intriguing tension slowly unravels into a repetitive cycle of scenes: talking, flirting, deceiving their friends and loved ones, and circling around feelings that are never fully explored or resolved. Maxi’s behavior, in particular, often shifts from charming to manipulative, and the lack of character growth throughout the film’s runtime makes it difficult to stay emotionally invested.
The writing leans heavily on sophomoric humor, relying on innuendo that often crosses the line into references to bodily fluids and excrement. These moments feel less like bold artistic choices and more like attempts to shock the audience for the sake of being edgy. It’s not that I object to the film’s more vulgar conversations; it’s that the vulgarity doesn’t serve the story or deepen our understanding of the characters. The conversations could have been more clever and profound.
That’s not to say there isn’t anything to admire here. The performances from Bettoni and Orán are both incredibly strong, and there are moments of genuine tenderness and vulnerability that hint at what could have been a more nuanced film beneath the surface. The cinematography, too, is solid for a low-budget indie and may earn it a spot on niche film collections or LGBTQ+ movie library shelves for completists or fans of Berger’s previous work.
Unfortunately, The Astronaut Lovers sets up an emotional journey that fails to completely satisfy. What could have been a cathartic exploration of longing and identity instead drifts into frustration and ambiguity.
What makes The Astronaut Lovers a unique LGBTQ+ indie film?
The Astronaut Lovers stands out for its exploration of emotionally messy queer relationships, especially between long-time friends with unresolved feelings. Its indie roots and Marco Berger’s distinct directorial style give it a raw, unfiltered tone that some viewers may find refreshing. The film resists tidy narratives and portrays queer intimacy as something deeply human, flawed, and nonlinear—which might resonate with audiences looking for a story that’s a little more unconventional and emotionally complex, even if imperfectly executed.
Should libraries add The Astronaut Lovers to their LGBTQ+ film collection?
Libraries with comprehensive LGBTQ+ film collections—especially those focusing on international queer cinema or Latin American filmmakers—should consider adding The Astronaut Lovers. While not a standout for general audiences due to its inconsistent tone and crude humor, it may appeal to fans of Marco Berger’s work and viewers interested in queer male relationships portrayed in a more raw and ambiguous light. It’s best suited for academic film collections, queer cinema completists, and public libraries with broader indie or LGBTQ+ holdings.