NR | 1h 38m | Comedy | 2019
As an indie filmmaker, I know how challenging it can be to bring a creator’s vision to fruition. In some ways, it’s akin to giving birth to a baby, albeit one of moving pictures and sounds that you’ve poured your soul into, instead of flesh and bone. This intimate connection can make the process simultaneously rewarding and grueling.
“Let Me Buy You a Drink,” a 2019 feature from Aretusa Films, an independent film production company based in Barcelona, Spain, shows how hard work brings great results. Aretusa Films defines part of its mission as crafting works that blend elements of both documentaries and fiction, exploring the delicate boundary between the two genres.
Unraveling Life
The story begins in London, where Christian, despite winning his latest MMA fight, finds his personal life unraveling. His victory in the ring is overshadowed by unpaid bills, a trainer (Sidney Kean) who underpays him, and a deteriorating relationship with his girlfriend Shila (Natashia Gale Nunes). Their tense dynamic comes to a head when Shila, fed up with Christian’s failures and excuses, throws him out of their shared apartment.
Desperate, Christian makes a rash decision to steal money from the restaurant that recently fired him, although he vows to pay it back once he gets back on his feet. Knowing the consequences of his actions, he flees London to return to his childhood home in Genoa, Italy.
Back in Genoa, Christian moves in with his beloved mother (Ottavia De Rege) and her extended family. To save face, Christian conceals the true nature of his struggles, spinning a narrative about needing a temporary break between MMA fights. However, the city that once offered solace and familiarity presents its own challenges.
Christian reconnects with his old friend Nicola (Massimo Morello), who is gravely ill, and Alessandro (Paolo Li Volsi), a charismatic musician who soon begins flirting with a woman Christian is interested in. Amid these personal issues, Christian grapples with his past decisions and the life he’s tried to escape.
Gambarelli’s direction enhances this character-driven drama, using visual storytelling to reflect Christian’s emotional state. In the film’s London sequences, muted colors and wide, isolating shots underscore his alienation. The transition to Genoa is marked by vibrant, sun-drenched imagery that captures the city’s old-world charm and serves as a metaphor for Christian’s rediscovery of his roots.
Family and Friendship
The film’s second half focuses on Christian’s journey to reconcile his fractured identity. The idyllic Genoese backdrop contrasts with the protagonist’s internal turmoil, highlighting the universal tension between our aspirations and reality. The narrative weaves moments of warmth and humor into its portrayal of community and belonging, reminding viewers of the importance of family and friendship in weathering life’s challenges.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to find beauty in the ordinary. From the bustling streets of London to the cobblestone alleys of Genoa, the locations almost have as much character as the people inhabiting them. Gambarelli’s keen eye for detail and nuanced storytelling ensures that every scene feels purposeful.
“Let Me Buy You a Drink” is a rare indie gem that combines strong performances, immersive visuals, and a heartfelt narrative. It’s a reminder that life’s setbacks, though painful, can also lead to growth and renewal when viewed through the right lens.
Ultimately, the film leaves its audience with a sense of hope, grounded in the belief that it’s never too late to find your way back to what truly matters.
