Forget about schematic COVID films, where actors roam deserted streets to the accompaniment of lofty music. Language Lessons is a much more interesting example of cinema capable of capturing the essence of pandemic isolation. Natalia Morales's debut tells the story of Adam (played by the AFF audience favorite, as well as co-writer and producer of the film - Mark Duplass), a slightly blasé rich man who seems tired of the luxurious life. To snap him out of this apathy, his husband gifts him a package of the titular Spanish lessons as a birthday surprise. Although Mark initially participates in online meetings with Cariño (played by director Natalie Morales), who lives in Costa Rica, out of politeness rather than genuine need, an emotional bond develops between the two. The teacher and student gradually forget about their geographical and class differences, becoming each other's 24-hour-a-day confidants. Alternately, the charming and poignant Language Lessons offer the best proof that true friendship crosses boundaries in every sense of the word.
SXSW FF 2021 – Audience Award; Provincetown IFF 2021- Audience Award; Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ FF 2021 – Best First Feature
Natalie Morales was born in 1986 in Miami to a Cuban immigrant family. She began her film career as an actress in the series Parks and Recreation, as well as in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and The Little Things. Recently, she has also been trying her hand at directing and screenwriting. Shortly after making her debut Language Lessons, she directed the teen comedy Plan B, which premiered on the Hulu platform.
2021 Language Lessons
2021 Plan B