It’s a popular movie trope—two people meet and love at first sight. The cosmos brings the two together, only to tear it apart as one of the lovestruck has to return halfway around the world. Thanks to the internet, a relationship like this can survive. This idea is the story behind Robert G. Putka’s film, We Used to Know Each Other.
Hugo (Hugo de Sousa) and Amanda (Essa O’Shea) are in said long-distance relationship. Hugo lives in Portugal, while Amanda lives in the desert heat of Las Vegas. The miles have taken its toll on Hugo, and after a particularly tough video chat session, Hugo buys a ticket for Vegas and is ready to be with Amada forever.
“…a joke or petty comment can be blown out of proportion or taken out of context, threatening to tear apart the thin fabric of this relationship.”
Soon, Hugo arrives at Amanda’s home in a gesture of romantic surprise. He sneaks into her backyard and calls her, but Hugo didn’t realize Amanda becomes quite agitated at surprises in general. After a quick roll-in-the-hay…two quick rolls…the couple begins to engage in some innocent, yet awkward conversation. If you’ve ever been in a relationship, you know that at times, a joke or petty comment can be blown out of proportion or taken out of context, threatening to tear apart the thin fabric of this relationship.
Soon it’s one quibble after the other. The two argue about smoking or what Hugo is wearing for a dinner party with Amanda’s lesbian friends. The conflicts seem insignificant, but they quickly fly out of control. There’s a sort of comfort you feel being in a relationship, yet living alone and separated for three years like Hugo and Amanda can upset the status quo and throw one’s “chi” out of balance.
"…there’s a reason why these couples struggle...de Sousa is exceptionally insightful..."
