I Carry You With Me review: A beautiful story that melts your heart

3.5/5

Story:

Ivan (Armando Espitia) and Gerardo (Christian Vasquez) meet each other and realize their love. However, they fall apart owing to situations. Now Ivan has to choose between Gerardo and his family. Who he chooses and how his life unfolds, is what makes up for I Carry You With Me.

Review:

The film commences when the dusk is just setting. We are then introduced to the lead characters Ivan (Armando Espitia) in the most mysterious way. Dreams are introduced and you know in that instant that the movie will be set in flashback with some intense scenes. To confirm the same, we see a determined man with a bandana do manual work.

We get to know about Ivan's happy family but the makers also make sure that we know the grass is not green. Ivan's story forces you to value the life you are living, for he is in a situation nobody longs to be in.

His first meeting with Gerado (Christian Vasquez) is quite interesting. Their chemistry is super adorable even before they actually interact with each other. After they interact, the two become quite the pair, almost like two peas in a pod. Thus, as their story progresses, it is sure to warm your heart.

The warm music enhances the plot of the film. The movie further beautifully explores the LGBTQ+ culture without trying to demean how the other feels. At the same time, it also brings forth the struggle of opening up to the society and especially your own family.

Ivan's backstory and the reason for his personality is explored well in the film. It is a situation people face in real life, a scare that almost never leaves you. The filmmakers have beautifully explored that element.

The film is mainly shot around night or dusk, which symbolizes Ivan's stage of life. He is struggling in every phase and all appears dark but he holds on to a tiny bit of hope for the sunshine someday. Ironically, this is also a struggle thr LGBTQ+ community have been facing since years altogether. 

As fate has it, the two part ways, not out of choice but because of unavoidable circumstances. They witness one of the worst situations anybody can go through - where war breaks out and anybody is killed.

While the story is impactful, the locations only add to it all. The cinematography, though, could have improved. The camera appears to be shaky in many places which should have been avoided. Even if it was for effect, it did not work well with the storyline. Some shot, even if elegant, appear to end a little later than expected. Even though it shows the state of mind, you do not get clarity per say.

Ivan and Gerardo's meeting after a long time is one of the best moments of the film. How they teach other to live a new life is extremely beautiful. Everything thereafter is sure to warm your heart.

Verdict:

Even though I Carry You With Me moves along the lines of Call Me By Your Name, it has some more depth to it. The story is not just about two men coming out but also about them growing togeter. That is what makes I Carry You With Me so beautiful.

I Carry You With Me can be viewed on BookMyShow Stream.