Sublime is a 2022 Argentine drama film written and directed by Mariano Biasin. A deeply emotional and introspective film, it explores adolescence, friendship, self-discovery, and repressed feelings through the eyes of a teenage boy navigating the complexity of first love.
The film received widespread acclaim for its authentic and understated storytelling, along with naturalistic performances from its young cast. With a strong focus on music, Sublime beautifully conveys the confusion, longing, and tenderness of a young boy grappling with his emotions for his best friend.
A Close Friendship and a Growing Realization
The story follows 16-year-old Manuel (Martรญn Miller), a teenager living in a small coastal town in Argentina. He is a bassist in a band with his close-knit group of friends, including Felipe (Teo Inama Chiabrando), his lifelong best friend.
Manuel and Felipe share an incredibly strong bondโthey do everything together, from making music to hanging out at the beach. Their camaraderie is effortless, filled with laughter and a deep, unspoken understanding. However, as time passes, Manuel begins to experience confusing emotions that go beyond simple friendship.
Navigating a Newfound Attraction
Manuel is dating a girl named Azul (Azul Mazzeo), yet he finds himself increasingly preoccupied with his growing feelings for Felipe. The more he tries to ignore them, the stronger they become. He feels stirring emotions when they play music together, and innocent physical contact between themโlike a casual touch or an affectionate hugโstarts to take on a new meaning in his mind.
This internal conflict causes tension within himself, and he begins to withdraw slightly from his friends. He wrestles with whether his feelings are real and if thereโs even a possibility that Felipe might feel the same way.
The Fear of Rejection and the Weight of Silence
As Manuelโs emotions grow more intense, he struggles with the fear of confessing his true feelings. He dreads the possibility of ruining their friendship, as well as the societal expectations placed on him.
There are moments where it seems like Felipe might also be experiencing something similar, but nothing is ever explicitly stated. Their interactions remain subtle yet loaded with tension, creating an atmosphere of quiet longing and uncertainty.
The film doesnโt follow a conventional coming-out narrative. Instead, it focuses on the ambiguity of young loveโthe hesitation, the misinterpretations, and the moments of hope followed by doubt.
A Heartfelt Climax and Emotional Resolution
As the band prepares for an important performance, Manuel finds himself at a crossroads. Music becomes the medium through which his emotions manifestโthe intensity of the songs they play together reflecting his inner turmoil.
Without revealing too much, the filmโs climax is emotionally charged yet delicate, staying true to its realistic and introspective tone. The ending is bittersweet but honest, leaving viewers with a profound sense of reflection.
Sublime is a beautiful, quiet, and deeply emotional coming-of-age film that perfectly captures the subtle complexities of first love, friendship, and self-discovery. It is a story about realizing your feelings, fearing their consequences, and learning to live with them.
