(2014, 70 min)
Country: Argentina
Director: Rodrigo Guerrero
Studio: TLA Releasing
Language: Spanish w/subtitles
SYNOPSIS: After meeting in a chat room, 22-year-old Fede (Emiliano Dionisi) arrives at a downtown building to have an intimate encounter with a sexy gay couple almost twice his age (Carlos Echevarría and Nicolás Armengol). As the night unfolds, Fede has an intense and telling experience. The next morning finds him different, as if suddenly he had found a new possible way to love.
REVIEW:
My favorite films - the one's that inspire me and leave the most indelible imprint on my memory - are those that are able to tell a fascinating story on a miniscule budget. For me, movies don't need huge stars, elaborate sets, dizzying graphics or expensive action set-pieces to hold my attention - just charismatic characters, compelling dialog and something original to say. I know this is a matter of personal taste (and not everyone will agree), but those with a penchant for similar films will find a lot to love in The Third One.
Unfolding largely over the course of one night, this breakthrough feature from Argentinian director Rodrigo Guerrero concerns a ménage à trois - the planning stage, the main event and the aftermath.
In the extended pre-title opening, we're treated to raunchy online conversations and video chats between Fede (Emiliano Dionisi), a college student, and an attractive gay couple in their early '40s (played by Absent and Solo star Carlos Echevarría and newcomer Nicolás Armengol). After a few heated internet encounters, they decide to meet in person.
The film features numerous long takes - the camera fixed in one position as this trio gets acquainted and builds sexual tension. Once that tension is released, in an incredibly long and intimate, yet tasteful sequence, it's all the more riveting for the slow build that precedes it. Guerrero's choice to let the scenes unfold within such tight parameters also gives the film a hypnotic "fly on the wall" atmosphere. After a (surprisingly riveting and emotional) 10-or-so-minute static shot of three men conversing over dinner, Guerrero is able to build excitement over what perspective the camera may take next. The three leads are also uniformly excellent, delivering natural, believable, charismatic performances in some incredibly vulnerable scenes.
Light on conflict, The Third One simply aims to simulate a modern gay threesome as believably as possible - and it succeeds. This is a sex positive movie that looks at taboos - open relationships, intergenerational affairs - with a fair eye and celebrates the enchanting effect that one night of honest, uninhibited passion can leave you with in the morning.
-- Robert O'Neill, TLA Video (http://www.tlavideo.com)
