Through My Window: Across the Sea is a sequel to 2022’s Through My Window. It focuses on Ares and Raquel navigating a long-distance relationship as the former studies medicine in Stockholm. When the two reunite for a small vacation in the summer, they must face the brutalities of insecurities, rumors, and diminishing trust.
Story
Through My Window: Across the Sea begins with Ares studying medicine in Stockholm. Meanwhile, Raquel is still in Barcelona and studying literature.
The two navigate the highs and lows of a long-distance relationship as Ares finds it difficult to cope with the pressures of his studies. The two spend the whole year glued to their phones but drift apart a little due to their respective lives and commitments.
In the summer, Ares surprises Raquel and decides to take her on a short vacation for the weekend. Soon, Yoshi and Daniela get the news and arrive on the scene to protect Raquel as they don’t trust Ares.
Daniela is dating Ares’ younger brother Apolo so it’s easy for her to show up. Furthermore, Their eldest brother Artemis is secretly seeing the Hidalgo house help, Claudia, but isn’t able to publicly accept her as his girlfriend, much to her dismay.
Ares and Raquel get some much-needed private time and mutually decide to rediscover their slightly dented relationship. As the San Juan party draws near, certain revelations come as a shock to both lovers that test their relationship.
Performances
Clara Galle and Julio Peña reignite their onscreen chemistry as Requel and Ares in this sequel. Both of them are a treat to witness and showcase a deep bond that goes through upheavals in a very grounded and believable manner.
Their chemistry is one of the best things about the film along with their performances. There are instances where the two leads have to showcase their acting chops, and they do not disappoint.
The supporting cast with Natalia Azahara, Guillermo Lasheras, Hugo Arbues, Eric Masip, Andrea Chaparro, Emilia Lazo,
Ivan Lapadula and Carla Tous are stellar as well. Every performance is spot-on concerning the script’s requirements and adds to the quality of the film.
Positives
Through My Window: Across the Sea is quite grounded in its approach to dealing with turbulent young adult emotions and the hardships of a long-distance relationship.
The aesthetics of the film are exquisite, and the romantic and sex scenes are well done. Some of the scenic shots are quite breathtaking.
Negatives
Unfortunately, Through My Window: Across the Sea is a sequel that feels unnecessary or forced. The writing is extremely cliched and doesn’t come close to recreating the intrigue of the first film.
There are so many characters and subplots, causing the focus to often shift from Ares and Raquel. Their story gets pushed into the background many times, and there isn’t enough in the rest of the plot to keep you hooked.
The cheating and miscommunication route falls right into the realm of predictability. A couple separating over a misunderstanding potentially perpetrated by other characters who want to break them up is such a tiring trope in romantic dramas.
Yoshi’s death also feels like a desperate attempt to infuse some worthwhile emotion into this generic story. Unfortunately, it fails to connect with you and feels like a distraction for the leading pair so they can’t resolve their differences in this film.
Ares and Requel’s breakup is underwhelming. With another sequel on the way, you know they are going to get back together and clear out the misunderstanding. One can only hope that the makers decide to take the next film in a direction that isn’t so bland and predictable.
Verdict
If you loved the first film, Through My Window: Across the Sea is going to feel like a letdown. You can still watch it once for the aesthetics and the chemistry between the leading pair. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more to it.
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