by Annette Basile
Worth: $16.50
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Luke Eve, Maria Albiñana, Karen Eve
Intro:
… a thoroughly enjoyable, life-affirming film that balances the serious moments with the comic – occasionally at the same time.
Luke Eve and his wife Maria Albiñana have created something that, on paper, sounds rather indulgent – the script, which they co-wrote, is based on their own lives, they play themselves for the camera, and use friends and family in the supporting cast. It almost sounds like a home movie. But instead of being indulgent, they’ve made something that’s authentic and very, very funny.
Eve, an Australian writer/director (I Met a Girl), and Albiñana, a Spanish actress, gained internet fame when they released two popular web series on Facebook during the pandemic. Cancelled explored their lives in lockdown when the pandemic forced them to cancel their Spanish wedding. It was followed by ReCancelled, which centred on Maria’s pregnancy. Like UnCancelled, the series were scripted, blurring the line between fiction and real life.
While the two web series were filmed on a mobile phone, UnCancelled is a polished feature film that hides its budget limitations. Now, with lockdowns a thing of the past and toddler Isabella in tow, Luke and Maria are ready for their big day.
Set in Valencia, with the lead-up to that city’s Fallas Festival – a bonfire – forming a backdrop, UnCancelled shows Maria frustrated with Luke’s obsession of documenting their lives as they prepare for a wedding that’s been on hold for several years. The narrative moves fairly fast, with a hens’ night a central comic moment as Maria meets a flirtatious man in a bar and returns home utterly sloshed. Albiñana’s portrayal of being drunk is not only brilliantly observed physical comedy but a turning point in the film – these are the scenes that reel in the viewer and make you want to spend time with this family.
The supporting cast includes Luke Eve’s mum, Karen. Despite not being a trained actor, she delivers deliciously deadpan moments and forms a subplot as an Australian fish out of water, uncomfortable with becoming somewhat famous in Valencia from the previous web series. When the script calls for dramatic acting, she handles it well. The film also looks good, with a couple of beautiful cinematic moments that make use of Valencia’s coastal location and bonfire festival.
From best friend’s weddings, to bridesmaids, to wedding planners and wedding singers, nuptials are a romantic comedy staple, but UnCancelled isn’t a copy of this worn-out formula. Despite the Spanish setting, it doesn’t feel like European cinema either. Instead, it inhabits its own unique world – one that is self-aware and self-referential in funny and surprising ways. It’s this meta element that gives UnCancelled a certain cleverness not usually associated with rom-coms. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable, life-affirming film that balances the serious moments with the comic – occasionally at the same time.
Cancelled and ReCancelled are both available to view on Youtube.
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