An inherent beauty exists in unrequited love. The idea of something that, for whatever reason, cannot happen between two people takes shape in many forms. Rarely has it been depicted in a manner that captures the delicate pain of unresolved emotions. What would happen if the opportunity presented itself, decades later, to maybe see the other person again? This very concept emerges in a wonderfully filmed, sharply scripted romantic drama that hones in on young love. An autobiographical delight from writer/director/actor Juan Pablo di Pace, Duino focuses on the fiery flirtation between two teenagers at the United World College of the Adriatic in Italy.
Young Matías (Santiago Madrussan) has the chance of a lifetime as he heads out to an international college full of promise. Adult Matías (Pace) has a similar opportunity, directing a feature film that reflects his time spent there long ago. Right off the bat, we are introduced to this fragmented style that actually ends up working to the film’s benefit. Flashing back and forth between Matías’ moviemaking present and his lovelorn youth makes for an interesting juxtaposition, sometimes quite literally within shots. At the Adriatic, Matías meets gorgeous nerd Alexander (Oscar Morgan), a Swedish jokester who always seem to be getting into trouble. Even all these years later, older Matías still opines the relationship that was never consummated. Their connection was a vital one for Matías, and we can feel the haunting nature of their young love.
The relationship between Alexander and Matías is a delicate dance of flirtation, exploration, and unspoken feelings. They share a strong chemistry, beautifully portrayed through scenes of language exchange—Matías teaching Alexander Spanish, while Alexander helps Matías learn English—and intimate moments that hint at their mutual attraction, like a near-kiss at the ruins of a castle. Vintage camcorder footage adds an air of nostalgia, making their connection feel both fragile and timeless. Their situation becomes even more complicated when Matías starts a casual fling with Alexander’s sister instead of Alexander himself.
Adult Matías, meanwhile, obsesses over the editing of his movie. How can he make sense of what happened between him and Alexander? He appears visibly in pain, as if reliving each unresolved emotion through the footage. Even as he pines for another chance with his long-lost love, Matías receives an invitation inviting him to the very same villa where he once spent a chunk of the summer with Alexander. Can Matías finally manage to close the chapter of a book he started so long ago?
Juan Pablo di Pace and Andrés Pepe Estrada have crafted a realistic script that keeps the story grounded while presenting an opportunity for catharsis that Pace may not have had in his real experience. The meta layers upon layers only extend, as Pace plays a version of himself who also longs to capture an impossible reality from the past. The teasing of a touch that never occurred between the two young men has a possibility to evolve into a new moment as adults. Cinematic intimacy and a grounded story steeped in tragedy make Duino a queer romance worth exploring.
Duino screened at 2024’s NewFest, the 36th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival.
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