Name: Through My Window
Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy
Released: 2022-02-04T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Clara Galle, Julio Peña, Guillermo Lasheras, Natalia Azahara, Hugo Arbues

Raquel’s voyeuristic gaze lingers on Ares through her window, a shot that sets the tone for Marçal Forés’ “Through My Window” — a film that thrives on stolen glances and simmering tension. Based on Eduard Sola’s novel, this Spanish teen romance unfolds with a familiar beat: girl next door crushes on hot neighbor, family drama ensues. But what elevates it above the usual Netflix rom-com fare is Julio Peña’s magnetic performance as Ares, a role that allows him to inhabit every emotion with his expressive face. When he finally notices Raquel (Clara Galle), the chemistry between them crackles, making their romantic moments feel genuinely electric.

Forés’ direction keeps the story grounded in its Spanish setting, using the narrow streets of Barcelona and the cramped apartments to create a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors Raquel’s internal struggle. The film’s strongest scenes are the intimate, quiet ones — Ares and Raquel sharing a cigarette on her balcony, their hands brushing as they pass it back and forth, or the way Forés frames them in reflections, emphasizing the blurred lines between reality and fantasy for Raquel.

However, the film stumbles when it tries to inject humor or tackle more serious family drama. The Hidalgo family’s objections to the relationship feel underdeveloped, reducing their concerns to mere obstacles rather than genuine conflicts. Some comedic beats fall flat, relying too heavily on exaggerated reactions from supporting characters like Yoshi (Guillermo Lasheras) and Apolo (Hugo Arbues). These moments disrupt the film’s otherwise steady pacing and tone.

The performances are a mixed bag beyond Peña and Galle. Pilar Castro as Tere, Ares’ mother, brings a much-needed intensity to her scenes, but other supporting actors struggle to make an impact. The script, while serviceable, leans too heavily on romantic tropes without adding enough fresh perspective to stand out in the crowded teen romance genre.

Verdict: “Through My Window” is a flawed but engaging romance that benefits from Peña’s stellar performance and Forés’ atmospheric direction.