- it lives inside you, echoing tomorrow, next week … maybe
forever. Critics are already calling it ‘the most emotional Netflix
romance since The Notebook,’ and this time, they’re absolutely
right. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to love so deeply it
transforms you, this is the film that will show you. Hit play,
surrender to it, let it consume you – and when it’s over, ask
yourself: were you truly ready for this kind of love?”
Without Saying Goodbye (Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar) on Netflix is a Peruvian romantic
drama directed by Bruno Ascenzo. The film stars Stephanie Cayo and Maxi Iglesias as the
protagonists Ariana and Salvador, respectively. Along with them, we have Wendy Ramos, Vicente
Vergara, Renata Flores, Anai Padilla, Carlos Carlin, Mayella Lloclla, Muki Sabogal and Rodrigo
Palacios. The film has audio and subtitles both in English and Spanish, with a runtime of 1 hour 36
minutes
Without Saying Goodbye: Uninventive Take on Romance
Netflix’s description of Without Saying Goodbye felt like a Peruvian take on the much-acclaimed
book turned film Eat, Pray, Love. However, it does not even come close to the classic and rather
remains stranded on the same old formulaic romantic storytelling.
Maxi Iglesias’ Salvador Campodónico is a workaholic, discipline architect. He is young, successfully,
stinkingly rich and futuristic in his approach, especially when it comes to architecture. He lands in
Peru to expand his company’s name and project by building a seven-star hotel in the land of Peru,
which would become a one-of-a-kind phenomenon. While staying in Peru to draft the project, he
crosses paths with Stephanie Cayo’s Ariana- a free-spirited, firey artist who is faithful to her roots
and, believes in empowering the sacred culture and mysticism of Peru.
Living in two different worlds with two different minds that have opinions and ideologies that
might necessarily not sink in, Ariana and Salvador are immediately attracted to one another. As the
story progresses, our protagonists are tied in with a tour of backpacking across the most famous
spots in Peru, which gives them time to spend with one another and, understand, embrace and see
each other’s views and perspectives on the world we live in.
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Bruno Ascenzo’s directorial piece follows the trope of opposites attracted to its core. So much so
that it forgets to even reinvent the narrative and produce banters and jokes that come across as
original. In portraying the argumentative differences between our protagonists, the film at times
strays away from the original premise to highlight the romantic element in the film. It flips the coin
that is well known by many which make this film a rather boring piece to sit through.
Having said that, it is undeniable how beautifully the film is shot and the majestic land of Peru
pulls you in with every shot. The cinematography is excellent and, it gives this film the edge that
lacks in its story and narrative. The chemistry between our two main protagonists, Maxi Iglesias
and Stephanie Cayo is palpable. It is strong, adorable and endearing to watch the two.
Without Saying Goodbye: Final Verdict
Without Saying Goodbye is a good addition to Netflix’s list when it comes to being a semi
travelogue. However, as a romantic drama or comedy, it fails to impress. The beautiful Peru skies,
the historic Machu Picchu and the blazing chemistry between the two leads try to save the film
from being total despair and, to a certain extent it is successful in keeping it all together. But, by
the third act in the film, things might seem to go astray again.
Overall, the film is a quick, light watch. You can watch it when you aren’t looking for some heavy
content to consume and, just want to be pleased by the visuals and grandiose of the mountains.
Without Saying Goodbye is now streaming on Netflix.
