Without Saying Goodbye Review: Another Formulaic Romantic Drama

Without Saying Goodbye (Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar) on Netflix is a Peruvian romantic drama directed by Bruno Ascenzo. The film stars Stephanie Cayo and Maxi Iglesias as the protagonists Ariana and Salvador, respectively. Along with them, we have Wendy Ramos, Vicente Vergara, Renata Flores, Anai Padilla, Carlos Carlin, Mayella Lloclla, Muki Sabogal and Rodrigo Palacios. The film has audio and subtitles both in English and Spanish, with a runtime of 1 hour 36 minutes.

– Without Saying Goodbye Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers –

Without Saying Goodbye: Uninventive Take on Romance

Netflix’s description of Without Saying Goodbye felt like a Peruvian take on the much-acclaimed book turned film Eat, Pray, Love. However, it does not even come close to the classic and rather remains stranded on the same old formulaic romantic storytelling.

Maxi Iglesias’ Salvador Campodónico is a workaholic, discipline architect. He is young, successfully, stinkingly rich and futuristic in his approach, especially when it comes to architecture. He lands in Peru to expand his company’s name and project by building a seven-star hotel in the land of Peru, which would become a one-of-a-kind phenomenon. While staying in Peru to draft the project, he crosses paths with Stephanie Cayo’s Ariana- a free-spirited, firey artist who is faithful to her roots and, believes in empowering the sacred culture and mysticism of Peru.

Living in two different worlds with two different minds that have opinions and ideologies that might necessarily not sink in, Ariana and Salvador are immediately attracted to one another. As the story progresses, our protagonists are tied in with a tour of backpacking across the most famous spots in Peru, which gives them time to spend with one another and, understand, embrace and see each other’s views and perspectives on the world we live in.

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Bruno Ascenzo’s directorial piece follows the trope of opposites attracted to its core. So much so that it forgets to even reinvent the narrative and produce banters and jokes that come across as original. In portraying the argumentative differences between our protagonists, the film at times strays away from the original premise to highlight the romantic element in the film. It flips the coin that is well known by many which make this film a rather boring piece to sit through.

Having said that, it is undeniable how beautifully the film is shot and the majestic land of Peru pulls you in with every shot. The cinematography is excellent and, it gives this film the edge that lacks in its story and narrative. The chemistry between our two main protagonists, Maxi Iglesias and Stephanie Cayo is palpable. It is strong, adorable and endearing to watch the two.

Without Saying Goodbye: Final Verdict

Without Saying Goodbye is a good addition to Netflix’s list when it comes to being a semi travelogue. However, as a romantic drama or comedy, it fails to impress. The beautiful Peru skies, the historic Machu Picchu and the blazing chemistry between the two leads try to save the film from being total despair and, to a certain extent it is successful in keeping it all together. But, by the third act in the film, things might seem to go astray again.

Overall, the film is a quick, light watch. You can watch it when you aren’t looking for some heavy content to consume and, just want to be pleased by the visuals and grandiose of the mountains.

Without Saying Goodbye is now streaming on Netflix.

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