Straight

Straight (2023)

Straight (2023) is a Mexican drama film directed by Marcelo Tobar that dives into themes of sexual identity, emotional honesty, and the societal expectations surrounding relationships. Adapted from a stage play, the film takes a close look at modern masculinity, attraction, and the complexity of human desire through a personal and emotionally charged narrative.

The film centers on Roberto, played by Alejandro Speitzer, a seemingly successful investment banker who has been in a committed six-year relationship with his girlfriend, Elia, portrayed by Bárbara López. From the outside, Roberto’s life appears stable and ideal—professionally accomplished, romantically secure, and socially accepted. However, a chance encounter with Cris, a charismatic and confident younger man played by Franco Masini, disrupts that illusion. The two connect through a dating app, sparking a conversation that forces Roberto to confront feelings and desires he has long suppressed.

What follows is a deeply introspective and intimate exploration of Roberto’s inner turmoil. Confined mostly to a single location—his apartment—the film unfolds like a psychological chamber piece, intensifying the emotional tension. Over the course of one long night, Roberto and Cris engage in a series of conversations and confrontations that reveal hidden truths, challenge assumptions, and unravel the emotional fabric of Roberto’s carefully constructed life.

Marcelo Tobar’s direction is minimalistic yet effective, allowing the emotional stakes to rise through dialogue and performance rather than action or spectacle. The script is sharp and thoughtful, drawing out the tension between personal truth and social conformity. The camera lingers in close-ups, capturing every flicker of doubt, longing, and vulnerability on Roberto’s face, emphasizing the inner conflict he can no longer avoid.

Alejandro Speitzer delivers a standout performance as Roberto, portraying a man at the crossroads between the life he thought he wanted and the truth he can no longer deny. His portrayal is layered, subtle, and deeply human. Franco Masini, as Cris, brings warmth, self-assurance, and emotional depth to the role, serving as both a catalyst and mirror to Roberto’s internal struggle. Bárbara López, although present in only a few scenes, embodies the emotional collateral of secrets and self-denial, making the love triangle all the more poignant.

Straight is not just a story about sexuality—it’s about honesty, self-acceptance, and the courage to live authentically. It raises questions that many viewers can relate to, regardless of sexual orientation: Are we living our lives truthfully? Are we choosing comfort over authenticity? And what happens when desire refuses to be buried?

The film has received praise for its mature storytelling, nuanced performances, and timely subject matter. Rather than offering easy answers, it challenges viewers to sit with discomfort, to reflect on how deeply identity is shaped—and sometimes distorted—by social expectations.

In conclusion, Straight (2023) is a raw, thoughtful, and emotionally engaging film that tackles the complexity of modern identity with honesty and sensitivity. Through its tightly focused narrative and powerful performances, it tells a story that is both personal and universal—about love, fear, and the long road toward self-understanding.