“Crazy About Her”: A Whirlwind Romance with a Twist
Adri, a journalist known for his clickbait articles and self-help platitudes, encounters Clara in a bar. She proposes a one-night stand with the agreement never to see each other again. Intrigued, Adri accepts, embarking on an impulsive adventure on Clara’s motorcycle. The next day, after Clara’s hasty departure, Adri realizes he’s fallen in love and sets out to find her. His search leads him to a psychiatric hospital where Clara is a patient. In a Romeo-esque move, Adri feigns illness to gain access and speak with his dream girl. However, he soon discovers that Clara isn’t thrilled to see him, and escaping the institution is far more challenging than he anticipated.
Álvaro Cervantes as Adri in a still from “Crazy About Her”
The film kicks off with a bang, immediately immersing the viewer in a whirlwind of events. This approach works well, as we’re introduced to the characters as quickly as they are to each other, rather than slowly easing into their story. The premise is familiar: a character meets someone who captivates them instantly, only to discover that this alluring enigma comes with a host of issues. While this formula might not be groundbreaking, it continues to resonate within the genre.
Susana Gómez as Carla in a still from “Crazy About Her”
Netflix and Mental Health: A Lighthearted Approach
“Crazy About Her” finds its home on Netflix, a platform brimming with films that, while not necessarily subpar, don’t quite reach the heights of Fincher or Kaufman. The streaming service seems intent on diversifying our viewing experience by offering films from various countries. While the selection process might seem random, this Spanish rom-com can be surprisingly watchable and charming for those accustomed to American productions. Despite the existence of films like “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” or the recent “Joker,” there’s always room for more discussion about mental health, which remains stigmatized. Few understand the daily lives of individuals with bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, or schizophrenia, and the nuances of OCD could fill an entire film. Cinema can play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting understanding. However, in this case, the creators don’t delve deeply into the illnesses themselves, focusing instead on more relatable themes: the support of friends, the belief of loved ones, and, of course, the love that drives the plot.
Embracing Imperfection: The Heart of the Film
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when navigating the predictable scenes and familiar tropes is that you’re watching a feel-good movie that doesn’t aspire to be anything more than a love story set against the backdrop of manic and depressive phases. But even such a seemingly ordinary film can win you over with its simplicity, which underlies the idea that it’s okay to be sad and perfectly normal to be different. After all, if you’re battling an illness, it doesn’t define who you are.