The Blonde One (Un Rubio) is a quiet, slow-burning LGBTQ+ romance that explores themes of desire, repression, masculinity, and forbidden love. Directed by Marco Berger, an Argentine filmmaker known for his work in LGBTQ+ cinema, the film delves into the complexities of homoerotic attraction in a conservative society.
Unlike mainstream LGBTQ+ films that focus on coming out narratives or external conflicts, The Blonde One presents a subtle and intimate story of two men discovering their feelings for each other within the confines of a shared apartment. The film is marked by long silences, meaningful glances, and an understated tension, making it a masterpiece of restrained storytelling.
Act 1: The Roommate Arrangement
Gabriel (Gabo) (Gaston Re) is a quiet and reserved young man who recently moved to Buenos Aires to start a new job. He is low-key, introverted, and somewhat shy. To find an affordable place to stay, he moves in with Juan (Alfonso Barรณn), a confident and attractive coworker.
Juan, unlike Gabriel, is outgoing and masculine, frequently bringing different women home and engaging in casual heterosexual relationships. He appears to be the typical hyper-masculine, straight man, but thereโs an underlying tension in his interactions with Gabriel.
Act 2: The Unspoken Desire
As Gabriel settles into the apartment, he becomes increasingly aware of Juanโs presence. The film captures small but significant detailsโthe way Juan moves around shirtless, the lingering looks between them, and the casual but intimate moments they share.
Juan starts showing subtle but unmistakable signs of attraction toward Gabriel. While continuing to entertain women, he also begins teasing Gabriel in a flirtatious, playful way, testing the boundaries of their dynamic. Gabriel, on the other hand, remains passive, unsure if Juan’s actions are just friendly gestures or something more.
The sexual tension builds slowly but intensely, making every unspoken word and every stolen glance significant.
Act 3: The Relationship Begins
One night, after a night out drinking with friends, the tension finally breaks. Juan initiates an intimate encounter with Gabriel, and they share a passionate night together. However, their relationship remains covert and fragile, as Juan maintains his outwardly straight persona.
Gabriel, who is more emotionally vulnerable, hopes that their connection means something deeper. Juan, on the other hand, is hesitant to acknowledge his true feelings. He struggles with his own masculinity and internalized homophobia, fearing the social consequences of being seen as anything other than straight.
The film delicately explores the power dynamics between themโJuan is the initiator, yet heโs also the one who keeps the relationship hidden. Gabriel, despite being more submissive, is the one who craves authenticity and refuses to be just a secret.
Act 4: The Pain of Secrecy and Repression
As their relationship continues in secrecy, Gabriel becomes increasingly frustrated. He wants more than just stolen moments behind closed doors. Juan, unwilling to confront his emotions, continues to engage with women in public while keeping Gabriel as a hidden part of his life.
Gabriel eventually reaches a breaking point. He realizes that Juan is too afraid to embrace what they have, and that he will never get the openness and commitment he desires. The unbalanced dynamic causes emotional strain, and Gabriel decides to distance himself.
In the final scenes, the film leaves viewers with a bittersweet sense of longing and loss. The reality of societal pressures and internal fears prevents their love from fully blossoming, leaving both men forever changed by their time together.
The Blonde One (2019) is a deeply intimate and emotionally charged film that masterfully portrays the tension of repressed attraction and the pain of hidden love. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate subtle, atmospheric storytelling and authentic LGBTQ+ narratives.