Before We Forget

Before We Forget is a poignant and introspective coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of adolescence, first love, and the enduring power of friendship. At its core, the film is a deeply personal narrative that explores the life of Matias, a successful Argentine filmmaker in his forties who has been struggling to bring closure to his unfinished movie, inspired by his elusive first love for Alexander, a charismatic Swedish friend he met at an international school in the 1990s. Their time together was marked by tenderness and fascination, qualities that defined their strong and endearing friendship. Matias was captivated by Alexander's carefree spirit, his infectious laughter, and his boundless enthusiasm for life. For Matias, having Alexander by his side was a feeling unlike anything he had ever experienced before. However, this idyllic period came to an abrupt end when Alexander was suddenly expelled from the school, forcing Matias to bid farewell to his cherished friend. This sudden departure left young Matias with an unresolved story of undeclared emotions. He was torn between his desire to hold on to the memories they had created and the harsh reality of being left alone to navigate the complexities of adolescence without his trusted friend by his side. The experience left an indelible mark on Matias, shaping his perception of relationships and his approach to love. Twenty-five years later, Matias finds himself in the midst of a creative block, unable to find inspiration for the finishing touches of his movie. He becomes increasingly introspective, questioning the purpose of his art and the true nature of his relationship with Alexander. As he pours over old photographs and reminisces about their time together, Matias comes to a realization - the story of his first love and his friendship with Alexander had become the catalyst for his creative journey. In a bold move, Matias embarks on a journey to find Alexander, hoping to reconnect with his past and, in the process, find the conclusion to his unfinished story. His quest is not just about rekindling an old friendship but also about coming to terms with the person he has become and the life he has led. As Matias navigates the complexities of adulthood, he is confronted with the impermanence of relationships and the passing of time. He grapples with the challenges of maintaining long-distance connections, the uncertainty of reconnecting with someone from his past, and the fear of confronting the unresolved emotions that have been lingering within him for decades. Throughout his journey, Matias finds himself reflecting on the choices he made in life, the paths not taken, and the opportunities he let slip away. He begins to understand that the person he is today is a product of his experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges. As he looks back on his life, Matias realizes that his art has been the conduit for processing his emotions and finding meaning in the midst of uncertainty. When Matias finally finds Alexander, the reaction is both heartwarming and bittersweet. They are both older, wiser, and more guarded, their past friendship now tinged with a mix of nostalgia and caution. Their reunion is a poignant exploration of rekindling old connections and confronting the complexities of time and space. Despite the passage of years, their bond remains strong, tempered by the imperfections of life and the unrequited emotions that lingered within them. Throughout their interactions, the film subtly blurs the lines between past and present, reality and fiction. Matias's journey to find Alexander becomes intertwined with his creative process, with the two narratives merging into a beautiful tapestry of memories, emotions, and introspection. The film becomes a reflection of Matias's artistic vision, a poignant exploration of the human experience, and a deeply personal exploration of the power of love, friendship, and storytelling to transcend time and space. In the end, Before We Forget is a tender and contemplative exploration of the human condition, one that reminds us of the enduring power of first love, the significance of true friendships, and the transcendent nature of storytelling. Through Matias's journey, we are invited to reflect on our own experiences, our choices, and the impermanence of life. The film is a testament to the enduring power of art to heal, to transform, and to connect us to our humanity in profound ways.