Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Straight is about a banker, Roberto (Alejandro Speitzer), struggling with his sexual identity after his girlfriend of six years, Elia (Bárbara López), begins to talk about moving in with him. Although Roberto agrees to live with her, he’s apprehensive. Doing so means he would have to give up his apartment, where he often has sex with Cris (Franco Masini), a man he’s secretly been hooking up with.
Some Thoughts:
Straight is a serious film about sexual identity and happiness. It’s not overly simplified, and because of that, comes with all the confusion that people coming to terms with their sexual identity often feel. Not only is Roberto sexually attracted to men, but he’s also in a relationship with Elia, who he cares for. On top of that, he’s not sure if he’s gay or bisexual and has a difficult time talking about it to either Elia or Cris.
The situation works because the acting overall is good. Speitzer’s portrayal of a man forced to comes to terms with himself rings true, as does his relationship with Elia. López plays Elia as a strong woman who has an idea that something is off with Roberto but tricks herself into thinking everything is fine. It’s a story most gay men have seen play out in one way or another, and it rings true.
Speitzer, López, and Masini all work well together. However, despite their chemistry, the Roberto/Cris story is flawed so much that it can’t make up for it. This is mainly because it’s not clear why Cris, who has no issues with being gay, puts up with him. Roberto runs hot and cold whenever they meet, and on top of that, Roberto has to be drunk every time they’re together. It also doesn’t help that they met on a hookup app. If Roberto was just as confused during their first encounter, I’m surprised Cris every came back for seconds or thirds. It also feels a bit ridiculous when the story tries to give their relationship a romantic spin. I wasn’t buying it, and doubt anybody would.
Despite it’s one flaw, it’s still a good movie. It tackles a difficult subject in a mostly realistic fashion.
The Final Verdict:
Straight is an interesting film about sexual identity and acceptance. Despite being well done, it has one glaring hole that is difficult to overlook.