Nothing in Return is not the sort of film you want to watch if you are feeling a bit blue. It deals with the choices a teenager has to make when his parents do not live together and he is caught in the middle of their problems and the law.
This semi-autobiographical film follows Dario, a loveable but difficult teenager. When not trying to juggle his divorcing, ever-battling parents, Dario and his best buddy Luismi find creative ways to skip school and amuse themselves by shoplifting & girl-watching.
When things at home and school get too much to handle, Dario hides out at his friend Justo’s garage, or spends time with his new friend, a sprightly 93-year-old flea market trader named Antonia, who is often out at all hours hunting for hidden treasures among others’ rubbish. When Justo is imprisoned for failure to pay a debt, Dario organises his alternate family into raising considerable funds to set Justo free.
Unfortunately, things do not go according to plan and Dario has to make some important decisions about his life and the lives of those he loves.
Initially I found myself not enjoying this film. It was dark and depressing, but that’s not always a bad thing. However, I quickly found myself drawn into Dario’s life and the struggles he endures just to get through every day.
Naturally a good script is a large part of this, but the talent of Miguel Herrán shines through in a riveting performance. He is street-wise, yet vulnerable and fiercely loyal to those who support him in his time of need.
He is supported by an excellent cast – Antonio Bachiller as his weight-challenged best friend, Antonia Guzman as the self-sufficient senior citizen, María Miguel and Felipe G. Vélez as his estranged parents, and Luis Tosar as the shady bike shop dealer.
These actors provide well drawn, believable characters who not only add complexity to the story, but serve to drive the pace of the action.
Nothing in Return is a lesson in persistence. Dario never gives up his support for his friends. Neither should we.
Reviewed by Barry Hill
Twitter: @kinesguy
Rating out of 10: 8
Nothing in Return screens on 15 May 2016 as part of the Spanish Film Festival, exclusively at the Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas.
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