Paco León, the celebrated Spanish actor and director, is back with his latest film 'Sin instrucciones', which premiered on December 25, 2023. This new film, directed by Marina Seresesky, serves as an engaging adaptation of the 2013 Mexican hit film 'No se aceptan devoluciones', often celebrated as the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the United States.
León takes on the role of Leo, a man who finds himself unexpectedly thrust upon the responsibilities of fatherhood when his former lover leaves him with their baby daughter after their encounter. The plot cleverly navigates his evolution, showcasing both the comedic and poignant aspects of single parenthood. "La historia es sobre la relación de un padre con una hija," León mentions, embodying the theme of the film which reflects his character's struggles and triumphs.
Walking through the streets of Madrid just days before the film's release, León and co-star Silvia Alonso were met by fans eager for selfies and autographs. Reflecting on his celebrity status and the misconceptions surrounding it, León shared, "Mucha gente me dice: ‘Te conozco’. No, me habrás visto por la tele, aunque no me conoces," signaling the often-blurred lines between public perception and personal reality for actors.
Although primarily set on the picturesque island of Lanzarote, the film's narrative spans across different locations, highlighting the vibrant multicultural dynamics of Spanish society. León noted, "Es una de las cosas más originales de la adaptación... criar a unos hijos en un ambiente multicultural y diverso." This perspective brings fresh discourse to the ever-evolving conversations about family and community within contemporary cinema.
Adding depth to the narrative, nine-year-old Maia Zaitegi portrays Alba, Leo's daughter, marking her film debut. With fresh sincerity, León praised her performance: "El trabajo con ella ha sido muy fácil... ella era súper profesional." This chemistry between the actors elevates the film, establishing heartwarming interactions amid comedic situations.
Alongside León, Silvia Alonso plays Julia, Leo's initial love interest who re-enters his life after years, seeking to reclaim her daughter. Alonso highlighted society's narratives surrounding parental roles, stating, "Estamos acostumbrados a que nos cuenten historias de padres ausentes y no de madres que no están." This perspective sheds light on the complicated dynamics of parenting, especially when the mother plays an absent role and burdens are shifted to fathers.
The director, Marina Seresesky, shared insights on her casting decisions, emphasizing the need for actors who could seamlessly shift between comedy and drama. She conveyed, "Necesitaba actores fuertes, que supieran pasar de la comedia al drama y que se entendieran tanto dentro como fuera de la pantalla," highlighting the importance of genuine chemistry in her ensemble cast.
The exploration of fatherhood is particularly poignant for León, who, at 50 years old, has attained new perspectives through his real-life experiences as a father. He stated, "Las paternidades y las maternidades siempre vienen con algo inesperado y algo sin instrucciones," illustrating his belief about the unpredictability of parenting and its deep emotional impacts.
Reflecting on turning 50, León conveyed his optimism about aging, expressing no regrets. He embraced life’s transitions, stating, "Los 50 son los nuevos 30... estoy bien" as he aims to celebrate this milestone with joy, free from age-related anxieties.
With humor and humanity, 'Sin instrucciones' promises to resonate with audiences by offering intimate reflections on father-daughter relationships, as well as broader cultural discussions. León's commitment to diverse storytelling not only entertains but also encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of family dynamics beyond traditional narratives.
León's film is poised to spark conversation, especially as he looks back on his long career, where he maneuvers between acting and directing. He has continually broken barriers with his art and personal explorations, ensuring 'Sin instrucciones' will likely mark another noteworthy chapter in his vibrant career.
