As Amantes de Helen

About This Movie

So, 'As Amantes de Helen' is this intriguing 1981 drama that navigates the complexities of love and friendship. It's about Helen, a professional tennis player, who's caught in this web of emotions between her best friends, Rick and Sheila. The atmosphere is quite somber, really, with a slow-burn pacing that lets the tension simmer. You can feel the undercurrents of unspoken feelings, especially with Sheila’s quiet longing for Helen. The performances are nuanced, capturing that awkwardness of unreciprocated love. What stands out here is how it tackles themes of identity and desire, set against the backdrop of sports, which isn't something you see often. The direction is a bit elusive, adding to its charm. Worth discussing for sure.

Strong character dynamics · Explores LGBTQ+ themes · Dramatic, yet understated pacing