Name: Strange Way of Life
Genre: Drama, Western, Romance
Released: 2023-05-26T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Pedro Pascal, Jason Fernández, José Condessa, Daniel Rived

The desert wind howls through the canyon, kicking up dust as Silva (Pedro Pascal) rides his horse towards the small town of Jake’s Crossing. It’s been 25 years since he last saw Jake (Ethan Hawke), now the sheriff of this desolate outpost. Pedro Almodóvar‘s Strange Way of Life is a queer Western that wears its heart on its sleeve, but it’s also a film that struggles to find its footing in its brief runtime.

Almodóvar, known for his vibrant dramas set against the backdrop of Madrid, steps into uncharted territory with this short film. He brings with him his signature visual flair and a keen eye for detail, but the Western genre proves to be a tricky beast to tame. The film’s strengths lie in its performances and its bold subversion of genre tropes, but its narrative ambition outstrips its runtime.

Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal are the heart and soul of Strange Way of Life. Their chemistry is palpable, a mix of lingering tension and unspoken history that makes their reunion scenes crackle with electricity. Hawke, as Jake, brings a gruff intensity to his role, while Pascal’s Silva is a study in quiet desperation. The dinner scene between the two men is a standout, filled with unspoken longing and unresolved conflict. It’s a testament to both actors’ abilities that they can convey so much with just a look or a gesture.

Almodóvar’s direction is confident, if not always sure-footed. He makes excellent use of the desert landscape, framing his shots to emphasize the vast emptiness that surrounds these two men. The film’s costume design, handled by Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello, is a highlight—a vibrant departure from traditional Western attire that feels entirely in tune with Almodóvar’s sensibilities.

The film’s use of flashbacks adds depth to the characters and their relationship. These scenes, set against the backdrop of their youthful romance, provide context for the present-day tension between Jake and Silva. They also serve as a reminder of the film’s central theme: the passage of time and the ways in which it shapes our relationships.

However, Strange Way of Life stumbles in its narrative execution. The plot, which involves Jake’s quest to arrest his brother’s widow’s killer and Silva’s complicated relationship with his son Joe, feels rushed. The film’s 32-minute runtime is simply too short to do justice to these storylines. The climax, in which Jake and Silva confront Joe, is emotionally resonant but ultimately unsatisfying due to its abruptness.

The film’s ending is another point of contention. Almodóvar has always been unafraid to explore complex emotions, but Strange Way of Life pulls its punches. The fade-out just as Jake and Silva’s relationship reaches a critical juncture leaves the audience wanting more, not in the satisfying way that a great film should, but in the frustrating manner of a story that hasn’t been given the time it deserves.

That said, Strange Way of Life is a fascinating experiment. Almodóvar’s queer Western is a genre-bending oddity that challenges expectations at every turn. It’s a film that asks questions about love, masculinity, and the passage of time, even if it doesn’t always provide answers. The film’s exploration of these themes is all the more remarkable given its short runtime.

The film’s target audience is likely those already familiar with Almodóvar’s work or fans of queer cinema looking for something different. While it may not appeal to traditional Western aficionados, Strange Way of Life offers a fresh perspective on the genre that is sure to spark discussion and debate.

In comparison to other recent films, Strange Way of Life falls somewhere in the middle. It lacks the narrative depth of Almodóvar’s longer features but makes up for it with its bold thematic exploration and strong performances. While it may not be a masterpiece, it is a notable entry in the director’s filmography and a testament to his willingness to take risks.

Ultimately, Strange Way of Life is a film that leaves you wanting more. It’s a bold experiment that doesn’t quite hit its mark but is nonetheless compelling viewing.