Scene from “300 Letters”
A unique take on post-breakup introspection arrives with the new Argentine romantic comedy, “300 Letters,” set to screen at the 49th annual Frameline festival on June 25th.
The film explores the common question of “what went wrong?” by offering a lead character the chance to re-experience his past relationship through his ex-boyfriend’s eyes.
“300 Letters” follows Jero (Cristian Mariani), who is blindsided by a handwritten breakup letter from his boyfriend, Tom (Gastón Frías). Convinced their nearly year-long romance was perfect, Jero is shocked. However, the answers he seeks emerge from an unexpected source: a stack of 299 additional lettersTom wrote but never sent, each detailing a day of their relationship.
A Relationship Unveiled
As Jero delves into Tom’s brutally honest daily accounts, he’s forced to re-examine their romance from a new perspective. The letters quickly reveal that Jero’s idealized view of their “perfect pair” was far from reality. Jero, a CrossFit enthusiast, and Tom, a free-thinking performance artist, were a study in contrasts. Despite their differences, a Grindr hookup ignited an undeniable chemistry. Through flashbacks triggered by the letters, the film traces their interactions, highlighting the passionate moments and the numerous instances where their relationship nearly derailed.
A “Rom-Com in Reverse”
Writer-director Lucas Santa Ana’s“300 Letters,” co-written by Gustavo Cabaña, is described as a “rom-com in reverse.” It’s a vibrant and buoyant comedy that cleverly maintains a central mystery: why did Tom end the relationship, and why through such an elaborate series of notes? The film, an unconventional breakup story, delves into “the messy process of rediscovering yourself after heartbreak.”
Having captivated audiences at queer film festivals worldwide, including the Roze Filmdagen in the Netherlands and Boston’s Wicked Queer, “300 Letters” is poised to draw crowds at Frameline.
Festival programmers call it an “alluring tale of modern dating and relationships in Buenos Aires” that delivers “a captivating mix of humor, heartbreak, and intrigue, brought to life by a talented and charismatic cast.”
For those in the Bay Area, “300 Letters” screens on June 25th at the Frameline festival, with tickets selling quickly.
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