Name: Honeymoon with My Mother
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2022-04-29T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Carmen Machi, Quim Gutiérrez, Justina Bustos, Yolanda Ramos, Dominique Guillo

The opening shot of Honeymoon with My Mother lingers on José Luis’s stricken face as he sits alone at the altar, his wedding dress still draped over the chair next to him. It’s a moment that should be ripe for comedy—after all, this is a farce about a jilted groom and his overbearing mother—but director Paco Caballero resists the urge to undercut the pathos with cheap laughs. Instead, he lets the silence speak, grounding what could have been a broad setup in genuine emotion. This restraint is the film’s initial strength, but it’s also where its contradictions begin.

José Luis (Quim Gutiérrez) is the embodiment of crushed dreams and sullen disappointment. Gutiérrez brings a quiet intensity to the role that makes José Luis’s pain feel palpable. His performance anchors the film, providing a counterpoint to the more exaggerated antics around him. When he finally agrees to let his mother Mari Carmen (Carmen Machi) accompany him on their non-refundable honeymoon to Mauritius, it’s a moment of reluctant surrender that Gutiérrez sells with weary resignation.

Machi, a veteran of Spanish comedy and drama, is the film’s standout. As Mari Carmen, she transforms from a fussy, overprotective mother into a woman rediscovering her youth in the tropical paradise. Machi’s performance is a delight, her expressive face and physical comedy (a botched attempt at jet-skiing, an awkward dance with a local) making her a scene-stealer. The dynamic between Gutiérrez and Machi is the heart of the film, their chemistry elevating even the most predictable moments.

The film’s humor is hit-or-miss. Some gags, like Mari Carmen’s disastrous attempts at water sports or her overenthusiastic embrace of island culture, land with satisfying payoffs. Others, such as the obligatory romantic subplot for Mari Carmen or José Luis’s awkward encounters with local DJ Chucho (Andrés Velencoso), feel tired and formulaic. The film’s reliance on slapstick and broad comedy undercuts its potential for sharper, more nuanced humor.

Caballero’s direction is competent but uninspired. He makes good use of the stunning Mauritian landscapes, contrasting the vibrant island life with José Luis’s gloomy demeanor. However, his pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. The subplots involving the supporting cast—Yolanda Ramos as Montse, Justina Bustos as Sara—are underdeveloped and often feel tacked on.

The film’s attempt to explore themes of motherhood, personal growth, and the complexities of adult relationships is commendable but ultimately falls short. Mari Carmen’s journey from devoted mother to independent woman is interesting, but the film never delves deeply into her motivations or the societal expectations that have shaped her life. Instead, it settles for surface-level observations, leaving its message feeling superficial.

The feminist angle—Mari Carmen’s liberation from her traditional role—is a welcome addition to Spanish cinema, which has historically struggled with nuanced portrayals of women over 40. However, Honeymoon with My Mother doesn’t push the envelope far enough.

The supporting performances are a mixed bag. Ramos brings a warm presence to her role as Montse, Mari Carmen’s friend, but her character is underutilized. Bustos, who contracted COVID-19 during filming and later documented her isolation in a diary that became the basis for a documentary, has limited screen time but makes the most of it.

The film’s production history adds an intriguing layer to its reception. Shot primarily on Mauritius just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, the production faced numerous challenges, including actors contracting the virus and being isolated for nearly a month. This context lends the film a certain resilience, a testament to the cast and crew’s dedication.

Honeymoon with My Mother is a film that straddles the line between comedy and drama, often stumbling on both sides. It’s saved by its lead performances and picturesque setting, but let down by a script that relies too much on predictable humor and underdeveloped subplots. The themes it attempts to explore are relevant and timely, but they’re not given the depth they deserve.

Ultimately, Honeymoon with My Mother is a film for fans of lighthearted comedies and those looking for a feel-good mother-son story.