What We Know [El que sabem] *** (2021, Javier Amann, Nakarey, Tania Fortea, Fran Morales, Rosita Amores, Mauro Cervera) – Classic Movie Review 12,627

Jordi Núñez’s unusual Spanish coming-of-age ensemble romantic drama is fresh feeling, insightful and funny. Everybody loves the captivating Victor (Javier Amann). Waitress Carla (Nakarey) thinks she has a chance and so does Martí (Mauro Cervera).

Nakarey stars as Carla, a troubled young waitress dreaming of a better life, who is invited to spend an afternoon at the beach with her captivating classmate Victor (Javier Amann) – son of her horrible café-owner boss –and his group of early-twenties friends. She soon become part of the group, though not ever really quite fitting in. There appears to be an attraction between the two, but Victor is desired by others in the group, and, finding himself so desirable, he is happy to enjoy it.

Carla would like to get serious, but the group just wants to have fun, partying, drinking and taking drugs, and having sex. Somehow they are simultaneously growing up, and they are all going to be able to move on to a better life, though not necessarily ones they had thought, planned or hoped for. Another boy, Martí (Mauro Cervera) is also attracted to Victor, though Martí has a steady boyfriend, away in another town. Martí is close to all the women, including his mother (Marga Castells), and close to Victor, too.

Writer/ director Jordi Núñez’s unusual 2021 Spanish coming-of-age ensemble romantic drama What We Know [El que sabem] is fresh feeling, insightful and funny. It’s light but likeable, or light and likeable. But it does have a few heavy things going on too. The cast create some vivid and memorable characters, moving carefully away from easy stereotypes as the script reveals more and more about them. They are satisfying characters to watch and spend time with, so they must have been satisfying characters to play, giving the actors a good, rewarding time.

It’s hard to know what this film is about or what the title means. But that doesn’t matter. You never really know where the story is headed, and it valiantly avoids any happy or unhappy endings. Despite the lack of an obvious hook to start it off or a pat conclusion, it stays involving, appealing and amusing. It is shot, flavourfully, in València, Spain.

© Derek Winnert 2023 – Classic Movie Review 12,627

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