Introduction:
Imagine swanning around Italy like side characters from the second season of “The White Lotus,” only to face unexpected dark twists that turn your dream trip into a nightmare. This is exactly what happens to Dom and Cole, a well-to-do gay couple, in the catty black comedy “I Don’t Understand You.” Inspired by real-life experiences, the film explores their journey through Italy as they encounter unexpected challenges and face their own insecurities.
The Perfect Setting for Unforeseen Chaos
Dom and Cole, an American couple, find themselves grappling with their anticipation of rejection and homophobia, despite living in a time when they can legally enjoy the same rights as straight couples. Their trip takes an exciting turn when they receive news that the baby they’ve been trying to adopt is about to be delivered. As they celebrate their anniversary in Italy, they stumble upon an exclusive out-of-the-way restaurant, arranged by an old family friend. Little do they know, their idyllic holiday is about to take a sinister turn.
From Sunshine to Shadows
As the vacation unfolds, the couple finds themselves embroiled in a series of dark events. Lifeless bodies start piling up, leaving Dom and Cole questioning if they have fallen victim to a hate crime or unknowingly become perpetrators themselves. The hosts, surprisingly kind and accommodating, create an eerie atmosphere as they wield sharp knives and make unsettling comments. Misinterpreting these signals becomes easy for Dom and Cole, who have faced persecution throughout their lives. And with their limited understanding of the local language and culture, matters quickly escalate out of control.
Imperfect Protagonists in Unsettling Circumstances
Dom and Cole are far from perfect, as the movie reveals their flaws in ways that would spoil the storyline to discuss in detail. However, the convincing performances by Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells bring the audience over to their side. Their characters exude an “us-against-the-world” conviction, making it hard not to empathize with them, even when their panic attacks and public displays of affection toe the line between cute and cringey.
Real-Life Foundation, Exaggerated Experiences
The filmmakers behind “I Don’t Understand You” are also a married couple, lending authenticity and insight to the underlying anxieties depicted in the movie. While the events spiral out of control for Dom and Cole, the motivation that fuels their rollercoaster ride feels genuine. Their desire to become parents overpowers all other obstacles, including misinterpretations of microaggressions, like a hotel clerk’s confusion over their choice of the honeymoon suite. It is this unwavering motivation that drives them forward, even in the face of explicit threats.
Lost in Translation
On their way to a dinner reservation, Dom and Cole find themselves stranded in a ditch on a remote Italian driveway. Their panic intensifies when a surly landowner approaches them with a shotgun. The couple’s thoughts race, fearing that their dreams of parenthood will be shattered in this Italian backwater. Fortunately, the stranger relents and drops them off at the restaurant. However, their imaginations continue to run wild, misinterpreting the intentions of their knife-wielding host and her macho son.
The Thin Line Between Cynicism and Generosity
“I Don’t Understand You” exudes the twisted, expect-the-worst vibe reminiscent of classic Danny DeVito movies. Yet, beneath the script’s cynicism lies a deeper layer of generosity. A pregnant stranger selflessly plans to gift her fetus to Dom and Cole, while the rustic restaurateur, Francesca, wholeheartedly embraces the opportunity to host a gay couple, representing a happiness her own son never experienced. Unfortunately, the couple’s inability to communicate in the local language or decipher subtitles adds to their mounting fears.
The Dark Farce that Falls Short
While the movie attempts to capture the cross-cultural miscommunication and the wariness that older generations of LGBTQ+ individuals carry with them, it sometimes falls into forced farce. The exaggerated chaos may overshadow the genuine struggles faced by Dom and Cole. Ultimately, “I Don’t Understand You” portrays the couple’s extreme actions as a testament to their unwavering dedication to becoming parents, highlighting the progress that has been made on the journey toward acceptance and inclusivity.
To read the full review, visit F5 Magazine.