‘Fuchsia Libre’ Netflix Movie Review - Overacting at its Peak

When the movie began, I was filled with hope and anticipation. The opening scene was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, featuring a touching moment where a father and son are watching an old video of the son's birthday party from when his mother was still alive. However, as the film progressed, it began to lose its appeal.

The story revolves around Oliver, who has been openly gay since his youth. During a boxing practice session, his opponent knocked him out while Oliver swooned over him. Of course, this wasn’t Oliver’s fault. The situation however escalated when Oliver was seen kissing another boy by his father leading to a strained and distant relationship between father and son.

Years later, Oliver is an adult running a gym with his close-knit group of gay friends. Despite his regular visits to his father every Friday, their coldness remains unhealed. Oliver’s life takes a dramatic turn when he learns that his gym is at risk of being sold. This isn't due to the gym's performance or their sexual orientation, but rather because Mr. Ping, the property owner, faces bankruptcy and needs to sell properties to clear his debts.

Desperate to save the gym, Oliver decides to join an underground fighting circuit to earn the necessary money. To his shock, he discovers that his father is involved in this very underground world. The film builds tension around whether Oliver’s father will ever learn about his participation in these risky matches and whether Oliver will manage to rescue his gym from financial ruin.

The primary flaw with “Fuchsia Libre” is its tendency toward excessive overacting. The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters comes across as overly exaggerated and unrealistic, with performances that seem more suited to a melodramatic stage rather than a nuanced film. It appears that the film’s approach to depicting gay characters was influenced by the exaggerated style of “Mean Girls”, resulting in portrayals that often feel more like caricatures than authentic representations. This over-the-top acting detracts from the film’s ability to present its characters in a genuine and relatable manner, undermining the potential emotional depth of the story.

The plot of  “Fuchsia Libre” is undeniably fast-paced, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency. However, despite its brisk momentum, the film falls short of delivering substantial depth. While the storyline presents a fresh and intriguing premise, the execution of this narrative leaves much to be desired. The rapid progression often sacrifices character development and emotional nuance, resulting in a story that feels both hurried and superficial. The potential for a compelling and multifaceted narrative is undermined by its failure to fully explore and flesh out the complexities of its plot and characters.

The film does manage to include moments of humor that provide some relief from its more serious themes. These humorous scenes offer a refreshing break and contribute to the film's overall charm. However, while these moments of levity are enjoyable, they sometimes feel disconnected from the film's broader narrative, making them stand out as isolated highlights rather than seamlessly integrated parts of the story.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times