In the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Gabriel has just moved in with his colleague, Juan. Shy and reserved, Gabo is reluctant to follow Juan's wandering hands and meaningful looks.
The Blonde One (original title: Un rubio) is a 2019 Argentine drama film directed by Marco Berger. The film explores themes of love, sexuality, and emotional restraint through the story of Gabo and Juan, two men who develop an intimate but complicated relationship.
Gabo (Gastón Re) is a quiet and reserved young man who finds himself drifting through life. After the death of his wife, he sends his daughter to live with her grandparents and moves to Buenos Aires to work in a carpentry workshop. Seeking a place to stay, he rents a room from his colleague, Juan (Alfonso Barón). Unlike Gabo, Juan is more outgoing and often surrounded by his messy group of friends, who frequently visit and add to the chaos of the flat. Gabo silently cleans up after them, spending his free time reading in bed and keeping to himself.
Over time, an unexpected sexual relationship develops between Gabo and Juan. However, despite this newfound intimacy, Juan continues his relationships with both his girlfriend and, perhaps, another man. Gabo remains passive, quietly observing Juan’s actions without confrontation. The film’s narrative unfolds at a deliberately slow pace, capturing the nuances of their interactions and the emotional tension between them.
At 108 minutes, The Blonde One immerses the audience in a world of quiet emotions and subtle gestures. The film’s visual style includes lingering shots of the carpentry workshop, Gabo tending to his plants, and moments of casual conversation among the characters. While these scenes contribute to the film’s introspective tone, their repetition may test the patience of some viewers.
Gastón Re delivers a compelling performance as Gabo, skillfully conveying his character’s internal struggles through subtle facial expressions. Alfonso Barón, despite being relatively inexperienced, offers a naturalistic portrayal of Juan, making their dynamic feel authentic and believable.
For fans of slow-burn LGBTQ+ dramas, The Blonde One provides an intimate exploration of desire and repression. While its pace may not appeal to all audiences, the film succeeds in creating an atmospheric and emotionally charged story.
