The first thing to know about Tu Me Manques is that it was Bolivia’s official selection for the Oscars. While it wasn’t nominated, it’s a damn sight better than the movie that won (Another Round). Tu Me Manques is much more moving, meaningful, and emotional. In fact, it will probably have a spot on my top 10 list for 2021. Although with my Sundance coverage, that list is already getting crowded. The title is French for “I miss you in me,” a statement about how two lovers become so close they feel as one.
The plot of Tu Me Manques
Tu Me Manques is about a gay man, Gabriel (Jose Duran), who commits suicide rather than come out to his family. Gabriel’s father Jorge (Oscar Martinez) travels from conservative Bolivia to, well, much less conservative New York City to confront Gabriel’s partner Sebastian (Fernando Barbosa). Meanwhile, Sebastian is creating a play about Gabriel. From the first scene, the drama and the dialogue in this film are strong and on point. The movie opens with a scene of Jorge accidentally opening a video chat from Sebastian. I was hooked from there. One of the reasons I chose this screener is that it’s a movie about grief and I’m writing a screenplay about the same subject. This film says everything I want to say about grief and says it more eloquently than I probably ever will. And I’m not even mad.
This is simply a beautiful and heartbreaking film. Jorge struggles to understand his son. His journey to acceptance is long and hard. Sebastian channels his emotions into writing and creating in a way that is inspiring. I loved watching Sebastian’s play become a transformative piece of art that affects the lives of the stage actors. The fact that the movie is based on a true story makes it all the more cathartic.
The World’s Most Indispensable Movie App
The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don't miss the best scenes.
Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)
The performances in Tu Me Manques
Martinez and Barbosa both give such compelling, fierce performances. A good drama feels like real life. And these two characters feel especially real. I believed every emotional beat of their performances. The supporting cast is strong too. The movie takes the time to show Gabriel in flashbacks. His relationship with Sebastian is sweet and romantic. They are surrounded by several supportive friends, some of which provide the comic relief in the film (including Rick Cosnett and Dominic Colon).
What Tu Me Manques could have done better
As much as I love this movie, it could have done a few things better. There’s a frame story that’s necessary but can be confusing. The movie moves back and forth in time and it’s not always easy to tell where we are in the timeline. (As with most movies that do this, like the excellent Two for the Road, haircuts and outfits can provide a helpful clue.)
There’s a brief exchange that could be biphobic. The movie also ignores the possibility that Gabriel, who thinks he’s straight until he falls for Sebastian, might be bisexual instead of gay.
What people are saying
about the RunPee app.
This is a great app. I wish more people would support it
This app provides info about movies, reviews, ratings from people who have seen it before and after viewing. It has links to info about the movies. It let’s you know when there will be a lull in the action and how long it will last. If you want to know what happens during that time, you can check the brief synopsis (you have to click a link, so no accidental spoilers). It has a timer you can set (silent) to alert you to a break. It also tells you whether there is anything extra during or after the credits. It’s really a wonderful app. I’ve subscribed for a couple of years to support the developers, but I noticed some of the links to provide feedback didn’t seem to work today. They also made it free, with voluntary donations to see the pee-times. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to do so, and subscribe if you like it. I really hope the app is supported so it can continue to be maintained!
Developers note: RunPee doesn’t make much money but it supports itself nicely. Donations are appreciated, but not required. We’ll add as many movies to the database as we can until there are no more movie theaters.
View all reviews
Apple App Store | Google Play Store
Download RunPee app
Finally, the ending has a twist that I’m not crazy about, but it doesn’t ruin the film.
Final thoughts on Tu Me Manques
This is easily one of the best films of the year. Writer/director Rodrigo Bellott has made a masterpiece. If you liked Luz, you’ll probably enjoy Tu Me Manque too. It can be rare to see an LGBTQ+ story done well. So it makes me happy to have already seen two of them that are so well-made this early in the year.
Grade: A+
Availability: Available to rent or own on streaming sites like Amazon, Vudu, Fandango Now, etc.
Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app (Androidor iPhone) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide release films every week, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Reagan, Deadpool & Wolverine and coming soon Transformers One, The Wild Robot, Megalopolis, Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom: The Last Ride and many others. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today’s blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee. If there’s a new film out there, we’ve got your bladder covered.
Leave a Reply