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★★★
Directed by: #DaniDeLaOrden
Written by: #NataliaDurán & #EricNavarro
Starring: #ÁlvaroCervantes, #SusanaAbaitua, #LuisZahera, #AixaVillagrán, #TxellAixendri
After a magical night together, Adri voluntarily turns himself into the psychiatric institution where Carla lives.
Netflix have been expanding their library of films and series by branching out to filmmakers in many countries, broadening the tastes of their subscribers. The latest addition is Dani de la Orden’s romantic comedy, Crazy About Her. It begins with an energetic 13-minute prologue that introduces Adri (Álvaro Cervantes), who bumps into the love of his life, Carla (Susana Abaitua), though she isn’t who he thinks she is. After agreeing to have one fun night and never see each other again, Adri checks into the psychiatric institution where Carla is treated, and the bond between the two is challenged.
During the prologue sequence, they turn up at a fancy hotel looking for drinks and a chance for something more intimate… I’m not quite sure how they managed to gatecrash a stranger’s wedding and how no one seemed to question who these two people were, but it certainly sets the tone for the rest of the film to follow. What began as your bog standard love story, quickly span into a man’s crazy adoration of a woman, and just how far he will go to see her once again for a chance at something more. But that’s not all Crazy About Her has to offer; it also shows a life behind the doors of a care home for the mentally ill and Adri comes to feel quite affected by his experience.
The chemistry Álvaro Cervantes has, not only with Susana Abaitua but the rest of the cast, is great. His performance is quite restrained, played safe but the character was written to be charming and ideal, so he plays it well. Abatiua is the tricky Carla, a hard shell to crack but definitely crackable, and her part is essential in the growth of Álvaro’s character. The two lead with a great, likeable presence. As for the screenplay they’re working from; it’s a little shaky. Some moments seem a touch too convenient or rushed through, but the concept is interesting and at times fairly entertaining.
During the third act, things start taking a turn and thus the pacing seemed to slow up. But, the ending is just as energetic as the prologue that began the film — the same race against the clock, the exciting fast-paced editing and dramatic choices being made by characters. It wraps up with enough to satisfy the rom-com lover inside of you, if you’re willing to let it.
Crazy About Her has its cliché’s and typical themes, but it also has a heart, slowly beating away. For the most part this is an enjoyable exploration of self-worth, recognition, and finding yourself through others. But above all else, it serves as a reminder to be kind. Because, even for the most troubled of souls, kindness can go a very long way.
Crazy About Her is now streaming on Netflix.
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