Straight (2023)

A Comfortable Life Shaken

Straight centers on Roberto (Alejandro Speitzer), a successful investment banker in a six-year relationship with Elia (Bárbara López), a dedicated biologist. When Roberto begins a discreet sexual relationship via an app with Cris (Franco Masini), a younger man, his neatly ordered life begins to crumble. The film explores his internal struggle as he questions whether he’s living the life he truly wants—or simply the one expected of him.

Minimalist Style: A Theater in Film

Adapted from a stage play, Straight unfolds largely within the confines of Roberto’s apartment. Long takes and intimate camera work echo the theatrical roots, allowing the tension and emotional shifts to surface through sustained moments rather than rapid cuts. The minimalist setting emphasizes the characters’ internal journeys, with sparse yet effective dialogue and nuanced interactions.

Performances: Chemistry and Nuance

Speitzer carries the film with a restrained performance, portraying Roberto’s quiet turmoil. Massini shines as Cris, offering warmth and subtle charisma. López gives emotional weight to Elia, embodying loyalty and heartbreak. The chemistry among the three actors brings depth to a script that often favors suggestion over exposition.

Reception: Ambiguity Divides Audiences

The film’s ambiguous tone has drawn mixed reactions. Some critics praised it for being “uncomfortable in its ambiguity, provocative in what it doesn’t define, powerful in what it suggests.” Others found the pacing slow and the emotional stakes underplayed, describing the film as more atmosphere than substance. This polarization suggests the film’s quiet approach resonates deeply with some, while leaving others hoping for more clarity and dramatic payoff.

Themes Explored

• The tension between social expectations and personal truth

• The quiet pain of emotional disconnection

• The complexity of modern romance and sexuality

• Identity crises sparked by new desire

Final Verdict

Straight is an intimate, dialogue-driven character study that prioritizes mood and introspection over plot. It’s ideal for viewers seeking a restrained and thoughtful look at identity, sexuality, and the hidden fractures in seemingly stable lives. While its deliberate ambiguity may frustrate some, the film offers a powerful portrayal of a man caught between conformity and self‑discovery.