“I like it when you’re quiet,” says the first line of a famous love poem by Pablo Neruda that will be familiar to anyone who made it through high school to AP Spanish. The writer, pictured in the Netflix Original Burning PatienceShe certainly had unique thoughts on what constitutes a passionate romance. His theory of the case is put to the acid test in this unconventional love story set against a backdrop of political instability in Chile.
The essentials: Young fisherman Mario (Andrew Bargsted) has greater ambitions to become a writer, and he gets a chance to be close to someone who has made such a dream a reality: famous poet Pablo Neruda (Claudio Arredondo). Mario gets a job as the author’s mailman, a responsibility to which he responds with a cry of excitement that might be reserved for meeting the Pope. The two seem to develop a friendly relationship inexplicably quickly, after which Mario achieves his next goal: a romantic relationship with the beguiling Beatriz (Vivanne Dietz).
Beatrice and Mario start exchanging love letters, but their romance by letter fills him with frustration. As a writer, Mario doesn’t seem to sublimate his ideas onto the page, even when the ideas easily get into conversation with his artistic inspiration. Having Neruda and his work for such instant advice is both promising and risky, and Mario must learn hard lessons about the consequences of using someone else’s words instead of your own.
Which movies will it remind you of?: It’s hard not to think about 2016 Nerudain which the poet also appeared as a supporting actor – not least because that film’s director, Pablo Larraín, served as executive producer Burning Patience. But with its main story, you might think of movies like My week with Marilyn or gods and monsters where an eager and innocent young man is drawn into the fascination of an enigmatic artist.
Notable performance: A film like this needs a sappy, doe-eyed romantic lead to sell the seriousness of the concept. Luckily, Andrew Bargsted as Mario does just that. He brings with him the zest for life and drive of a young person who believes uncompromisingly that the world is still theirs to conquer.
Memorable dialogue: “A promise is much better than the truth,” advises Neruda while guessing Mario’s poetic language to write an ode to his beloved. It’s a writing tip that feels dangerous in its wisdom in an era of online dating.
gender and skin: Although the film is all about love and romance, it’s more about the concept than the practice. in the Burning PatienceIt is a moment of physical passion, the shot is cut off as the clothes begin to come loose.
Our opinion: Rodrigo Sepúlveda’s film is always beautiful. Burning Patience never dazzles, but always manages to inspire. There’s enough insight into the way people connect through poetry and language to elevate it beyond a standard novel story, though we take that recommendation from any writer with a grain of salt (we’re inclined to like anything in our craft disassembled). With 90 minutes and variety, the film never stays welcome longer, but manages to deliver a fully developed love story.
Our appeal: STREAM IT! Burning Patience may not set the world on fire, but it’s a pleasant look at how poetry isn’t always the love language one assumes. No prior knowledge or study of Neruda is required to enjoy this film about how he influenced people – and one person in particular.
Marshall Shaffer is a New York-based freelance film journalist. Besides Decider, his work has also appeared on Slashfilm, Slant, Little White Lies and many other media. One day everyone will realize how right they are Spring breakers.