Watch Sidewalls

Sidewalls is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Gustavo Taretto and released in 2011. The film takes place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and follows the lives of two characters, Martin (Javier Drolas) and Mariana (Mariana Anghileri). Martin and Mariana are both living in Buenos Aires, but they have never met. They are both lonely and tend to live their lives in their own heads, rather than engaging with the world around them. Martin is an architect who spends most of his time designing buildings that are never built, while Mariana is a web designer who spends her days creating websites for clients who never seem to be satisfied.

As the story unfolds, we learn about the many ways in which Martin and Mariana are connected, even though they don't know each other. They live in the same neighborhood, visit many of the same places, and even share the same childhood memories. However, they are unable to connect with each other, and instead continue to live their lives alone.

The film weaves together Martin and Mariana's stories in a way that is both clever and charming. Each character has their own unique quirks and flaws, but they are both deeply relatable. Martin's love for architecture is explored in great detail, as we see him sketching and planning buildings throughout the film. Mariana's struggles with anxiety and loneliness are also given ample screen time, as we watch her navigate the ups and downs of her daily life.

The film also has a unique visual style, with many scenes shot from unusual angles or with interesting framing. This helps to create a sense of distance between the characters and their surroundings, highlighting their feelings of isolation and separation. The movie uses a lot of voiceover narration from both Martin and Mariana, which adds to the feeling that we are inside their heads, witnessing their innermost thoughts and fears.

Eventually, Martin and Mariana's paths do cross, and the film takes on a more romantic tone. However, this is not your typical romantic comedy. There are no grand gestures, no sweeping musical numbers, and no fairytale endings. Instead, the film examines the small moments of connection that can make all the difference in our lives. Martin and Mariana's romance is sweet and understated, but it feels real and earned.

One of the most memorable scenes in the film takes place on a busy street corner. Martin and Mariana are both there, but they don't notice each other at first. As they both try to cross the street, they become overwhelmed by the noise and chaos around them. Suddenly, the world falls away and they are left alone in their own private space. It's a touching moment that beautifully captures the film's themes of connection and isolation.

Overall, Sidewalls is a touching and unique film that explores the complexities of modern life in a big city. Its clever storytelling and charming characters make it a joy to watch, while its thoughtful examination of loneliness and human connection gives it a deeper emotional resonance. It's the kind of film that sticks with you long after the credits roll, and reminds you of the beauty in the small moments of life.

Sidewalls is a 2011 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.