Name: How to Deal with a Heartbreak
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2023-07-06T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gisela Ponce de León, Karina Jordán, Jely Reategui, Salvador del Solar, Norma Martínez

The opening scene of How to Deal with a Heartbreak is a punchline: María Fe, played by Gisela Ponce de León, stares at her laptop screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard like a pianist who’s forgotten how to play. The blank page taunts her, a metaphor for the existential crisis she’s in—single, broke, and under pressure to write a book about heartbreak that she can’t even begin to understand. Director Joanna Lombardi sets up the film’s central tension right away: How do you write about something when you’re still living it?

María Fe’s journey is grounded in the messy reality of modern adulthood. Her two best friends, Natalia (Karina Jordán) and Carolina (Jely Reategui), are thriving—Natalia with her career, Carolina with her engagement—but María Fe feels stuck. Lombardi avoids clichés by making María Fe’s struggles feel specific rather than universal. The film’s strength lies in its authenticity: the awkward dates, the moments of self-doubt, and the small victories that come from facing heartbreak head-on.

The performances are where How to Deal with a Heartbreak truly shines. Ponce de León brings a raw vulnerability to María Fe, making her relatable even at her most frustrating. The supporting cast is equally strong, particularly Salvador del Solar as Fernando, whose chemistry with María Fe feels organic and unforced. Lombardi’s direction allows the actors room to breathe, letting their performances drive the narrative rather than forcing them into predetermined arcs.

Where the film falters is in its pacing. While the first half of the movie builds a compelling portrait of heartbreak, the second half stumbles into predictability. The plot points—María Fe’s dead-end dates, her struggles with writing—start to feel repetitive rather than revelatory. Lombardi tries to balance humor and drama, but some jokes fall flat, and the emotional beats don’t always land as effectively as they could.

The film’s originality is its biggest asset. Lombardi avoids the typical rom-com tropes, instead focusing on the complexities of modern relationships and the pressure to have it all figured out. The cinematography is simple but effective, using close-ups and natural lighting to create an intimate atmosphere. The sound design is subtle, with music that enhances rather than overpowers the scenes.

How to Deal with a Heartbreak is a film that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost in their own life.