Isaac (Spanish)

I wouldn't call this film a gay film. It's in the 'bi' spectrum at best. The film actually uses its imperfect characters to address a few societal issues while also relating to some of its queer characters. The story is simple but it's the complexity of the characters that make it interesting and complicated.

Two school friends Nacho and Denis meet after a gap of almost 15+ years. Nacho is now a successful lawyer, married but as a couple they are struggling to have kids. Denis works at a bar and all he really wants is topes a restaurant and cook. Denis is quite quick to ask Nacho for a loan. Turns out, Nacho’s willing to give Denis a loan, but there’s a catch. The two men have decided to ask Denis’ wife to act as a surrogate for Nacho and his wife Marta. While the quad navigate through this complexity after some drama, through flashback we are told that Denis and Nacho had a third friend Isaac who used to get bullied in school and it was Denis who would usually save him. Not sure if Denis and Nacho were sexually involved in high school but when the wives decide to go our for few days, the duo engage in passionate sexual activity, making Nacho realize that he is actually gay. He acts upon it a few more times and the couple decides to separate. Meanwhile Denis can't wait for pregnancy to end to open restaurant causing a rift between that couple. We are also told that in high school, Denis suddenly left leading in increased bullying of Isaac, leading to Denis going further in closet and living in guilt for not being able to help his friend. Eventually Nacho decides to open about his sexuality but Denis refuses to be with him since he likes to be loved but doesn't know how to love. Eventually the baby is born and is named Isaac.

A major theme in Isaac is about being true to yourself and not allowing others to dictate your life. Many of the problems that the characters faced could have been resolved by accepting what they really wanted in life. Nacho's wife is constantly pressured by her family for baby, since apparently adoption is not an option. Their sexual life also is not th best leading both to have an affair. The couple is constantly reminded that children will help them gain more respect in society. Denis jut wants money for restaurant and he puts all kinds of pressure on his wife who is vehemently opposed. The film never makes it about the men or about sexuality. It's as much about the wives and their needs. Near the end of the film, every character has to make a choice that will impact their futures. Nacho and his wife going there separate ways seem too convenient, but then almost every character gets a happy ending, so there is something. The movie moves at a very brisk space and nothing is dragged unnecessarily and at less than 90 minutes duration, I was happy for its pacing. The film wasn't great but wasn't bad either. Personally I would like to have seen more scenes from their school life to clearly understand the relationship and dynamic of the three friends. We are never clearly told why Isaac was bullied, was there really any thing sexual between any of them. Besides that it's an alright average film. (5/10)