Movie Review: “10.000 Km”, Starring Natalia Tena

One year apart, with a continent between them, a couple must rely on modern technology to keep their relationship alive.

It would seem that nearly everyone has had the fear, whether in a relationship or not, that technology is ruining our relationships; that our over reliance on phones, the internet and social networks is actual undoing the social skills we have developed over centuries and that set us apart from other species. On the surface, 10,000KM looks to be preaching on this very topic.

Alex and Sergi, an young attractive couple living in Barcelona who have been married for several years, are trying for a baby whilst juggling unpredictable employment. In the opening scene, you experience a snapshot into their relationship as it stands, warts and all. The smallest of cracks begin to appear when Alex, played by Natalia Tena, is offered a year long residency in Los Angles; a job she had previously omitted to mention to Sergi (David Verdaguer) and one she subsequently accepts.

The remainder of the film follows their relationship, as they attempt to maintain normality over such a long distance. The combination of different camera footage, including phones and web cameras is deftly handled. It offers perspective on the earlier scene, contrasting the in-person contact with the fuzzy, often delayed video calls. Alongside this, Alex’s photography project, a collection of photographs featuring various forms of cameras and lenses, is, perhaps, more ham-fisted in its messaging.

The two leads carry the film well, giving convincing portrayals of the characters in some compromising positions and mostly holding your attention throughout. Natalia Tena is particular impressive, casually interchanging between the film’s primary spanish language and English, even in some of the most emotional moments.

Despite these strengths, you may find yourself feeling a little underwhelmed by the end; a feeling no doubt relatable to the characters themselves. Yet this bitter sweet sneak-peek into a couple’s lives is charmingly done and worth a watch – unless you to have plans to embark on a similarly long distance relationship in the near future!

Seen as part of the BFI London Film Festival 2014.