Most of Almodovar’s films are unpredictable, emotional journeys whereas this short feels like Almodovar decided to combine “Pain and Glory” (2019) and “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), which Almodovar considered directing and passed.

Full Review | May 11, 2024

... It’s thematically strong enough to make us forget that it kind of functions as a fashion show. John Wayne would’ve hated this movie, and that’s all the more reason for us to like it.

Full Review | Apr 12, 2024

Foreign cinema often gave queer topics and queer stories more nuanced representation than American cinema. Strange Way of Life is Pedro Almodóvar’s latest in queer cinema and while it’s a well worn story, the gay perspective is a fascinating twist.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Apr 7, 2024

Sometimes the best gifts come in the smallest packages.

Full Review | Mar 11, 2024

The reunion between these characters is extremely careful, excessive, but subtle. All this may sound contradictory, but it is because Almodóvar knows perfectly well how to craft his mise-en-scène to tell the best possible story. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 26, 2023

Atmospheric, cinematic and beautiful, the plot is simple but the characters complex.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 9, 2023

Ultimately, this is less a short film and more a prologue to something grander, or, essentially, an expensive advert for Saint Laurent that gets away with light nudity and outrageously suggestive dialogue.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Nov 5, 2023

Though imperfect and not so memorable, as expected from Almodóvar, the story is marked by a raw exploration of feelings and contradictions. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Nov 3, 2023

It is so cool to see even bite-sized Pedro Almodóvar.

Full Review | Nov 1, 2023

Pascal and Hawke, both eccentric character actors, complicate the straight-arrow conflicts of Peckinpah icons Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott (Ride the High Country), who might never have dared the physical intimacy Almodóvar envisions.

Full Review | Oct 31, 2023

Almodóvar delivers in “Strange Way of Life” everything the story needs and nothing it doesn’t.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 30, 2023

Love between men, Almodóvar seems to suggest, doesn’t need to be so crudely defined by such things as gayness or sex. It can be about companionship and — just maybe — a little tenderness.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Oct 29, 2023

Primo dom bottom energy from both Pedros.

Full Review | Oct 27, 2023

"Strange Way of Life" – Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar's sexy, kitschy and decidedly tame short film – is his own version of "Brokeback Mountain" – one actually made by a queer man...The film feels more like a prologue to a feature than a standalone.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Oct 21, 2023

The film is rich in atmosphere and detail, and both leads convey their shared passion with impressive subtlety.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 16, 2023

Despite the brevity, the filmmaker's signature flair remains, with colorful costumes supplied by Yves Saint Laurent.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 14, 2023

Hawke and Pascal play well the years of tempered passion separation created, the cumulation of small choices that create the idea of a person when their true nature cannot find expression.

Full Review | Oct 11, 2023

[A] soulful, frothy amuse bouche.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 11, 2023

It is being advertised with quote “Leaves you wanting more!,” which is kinda accurate… only not in a good way.

Full Review | Oct 9, 2023

Almodóvar has never been a typical director and watching him rework this genre, with intense performances from Hawke and Pascal, who are masculine and vulnerable at the same time, is a great lesson in the very art of directing.

Full Review | Oct 9, 2023