What We Wrote Together is a quietly compelling drama that explores the evolving dynamics of a long-term queer relationship, set against the backdrop of rural tranquility. Directed by Nicolás Teté, this 2024 Argentine film delves into the intimate lives of Mariano and Juan, two men in their mid-thirties who have built a calm and content existence together. Having shared more than six years of companionship, a dog, and a cozy domestic routine, they decide to leave behind the city to pursue Mariano’s dream of running a small plant nursery—a vision finally made viable by the success of Juan’s latest novel.
Their transition to rural life initially appears seamless, brimming with tenderness and quiet reflection. Yet this serenity is soon disrupted by the arrival of Juan’s best friend bearing unexpected news, which triggers a profound internal reckoning. The fresh challenge compels both Mariano and Juan to confront whether their individual desires and future aspirations remain in harmony, or whether they have quietly been drifting apart.
Nicolás Teté’s direction offers a polished and restrained portrayal, eschewing dramatic climax in favor of emotional realism and subtle tension. The film's strength lies in its ability to expose the internal fissures in a relationship through small moments—shared glances, everyday routines, and the quiet weight of unspoken longing. Rather than relying on dramatic confrontations, the story allows the emotional truth to emerge naturally through the interactions and silences between its characters.
Critical reception to the film spans the spectrum. Some critics praise its sincerity, calling it a genuine work that opens the door to the kinds of human dramas often overlooked in mainstream cinema. Others commend the emotional authenticity and subtle storytelling, noting that it recounts the connection between the characters from within, without grand declarations or shocking twists. On the other hand, some reviewers criticize the film’s lack of narrative tension and describe its direction and cinematography as too minimalistic, arguing that it risks feeling inert.
The cast delivers understated performances that lend the story its authenticity. Santiago Magariños embodies Mariano, capturing the quiet determination and emotional vulnerability of a man pursuing a dream while questioning his relationship’s trajectory. Ezequiel Martínez portrays Juan with equal nuance, balancing the pride of literary success with the uncertainty of his place in Mariano’s new vision for their life. Supporting roles, such as Carla, played by Nazarena Rozas, add further emotional texture and help reveal aspects of the central relationship that might otherwise remain hidden.
At approximately 93 minutes in runtime, What We Wrote Together unfolds with deliberate pacing—its rhythms echo the stillness of rural life, yet beneath the surface churns the emotional gravity of two hearts seeking alignment. The film is primarily in Spanish, reinforcing its cultural roots in Argentine cinema, and it embraces a visual style that reflects its intimate, character-driven focus.
In summary, What We Wrote Together is a refined and introspective piece centered on the fragile balance between love, individual goals, and the quiet spaces in which relationships evolve. Whether one perceives it as a moving, portrait-like study of companionship or as an underwhelming drama lacking dramatic drive, the film undeniably prompts reflection on what it means to grow together—and perhaps grow apart—when life takes unanticipated turns.
