Celebrated Spanish director Jonás Trueba’s latest film, Volveréis, hit screens on December 26, 2024, after making waves at the Cannes Film Festival where it snagged the Best European Film award. This film diverges from the typical romantic narrative, presenting instead the notion of celebrating the end of romantic relationships rather than mourning them.
Volveréis stars Itsaso Arana and Vito Sanz, who portray Ale and Alex, respectively, partners who have decided to throw a party to mark their separation after 15 years together. This unconventional premise—turning heartbreak on its head—came to Trueba initially through family discussions. He revealed, “The story arises from an idea my father commented on some time ago, as the film itself states. He observed how some couples tried to celebrate their separations but could never really do it.” Trueba adds, “Separation parties aren't something we invented; they exist in Mauritania, for example, and have made their way to the United States.”
Trueba’s portrayal of modern relationships resonates with audiences, as it tackles the very relatable weariness and challenges faced by individuals as they navigate life long-term with someone. “Volveréis is a quotidian film, one which attempts to understand the wear and tear of a couple who genuinely gets along, still loves each other, but can no longer stay together,” said Trueba.
Central to the film’s authenticity is the synergy between its lead actors, who have worked together multiple times before. Itsaso Arana notes, “We sometimes came up with ideas for each other’s dialogues, and this exchange was enriching. There’s also a natural flow between us, making the process easier.”
Vito Sanz, recently nominated for the Goya for Best Actor for this role, describes their collaborative process as both rewarding and challenging. “Critiques from someone who knows you so well can sting more, but trust allows us to celebrate achievements more authentically,” he explained. Arana echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how the project's intimacy reflects their real-life relationship.
The setting for much of Volveréis is Madrid, which often feels like another character in Trueba’s films. “While I find it pretentious to say I've created my own version of Madrid, I can see why familiar locations appear recurrently,” he shared. “There’s something special about continuously filming at certain sites; it generates a sense of familiarity the audience perceives as part of the city's essence.”
Blending genres, Volveréis crafts its narrative with meta-fictional elements, even as it toys with the boundaries of reality and fiction. Arana plays Elena, who directs her own film amid her personal upheaval. Sanz’s character, Luis, is established as her on-screen partner. The film intertwines the actors' real experiences with their scripted characters, adding depth to their performance. Sanz reflected on this, saying, “What we’re experiencing now is the gathering of the harvest of many previous films guiding us.”
This intricately woven story progresses to question whether it is truly possible to celebrate love’s ending without bitterness or grief, or if expectations of reconciling will dominate the narrative. Trueba admits, “We like working with open hypotheses—while the initial idea was clear, the third act, for example, defined itself as we filmed, discovering more layers of the characters' dynamics.”
A review by Cahiers du Cinéma listed Volveréis among the best films of the year, and accolades continue to follow, including nominations for the upcoming Goya Awards for Vito Sanz’s performance and Best Art Direction, along with recognition from the Feroz Awards for Best Comedy. The film’s blend of humor and poignancy reflects Trueba’s affinity for grounding storytelling, proving good cinema can tackle the intricacies of life—love, separation, and friendship—with grace.
With its unique perspective on how life should be celebrated, Volveréis is not only compelling but also timely. The film, now available on Movistar Plus+ and Filmin, offers viewers both laughter and reflection on the real experiences of love and loss.
