We Used to Know Each Other

I don’t think it would be spoiling the film to say that based on its title, We Used to Know Each Other, writer/star Hugo de Sousa’s story focuses on the problems of long-distance relationships. There’s a reason why these couples struggle over time, and de Sousa is exceptionally insightful about it in his script. It’s clear that he thought a great deal about the matter. He understands not only why these relationships are challenging to maintain, but also our small negative behaviors that stem out of the circumstance. When you watch the film, it’s going to feel all too familiar.

Considering you know where this relationship is heading, Putka and de Sousa tell a good, insightful story. We Used to Know Each Other is a dialogue-heavy film, and thankfully that dialogue is engaging and in-between the arguing are some funny moments, particularly with the lesbian couple and a complete stranger in front of a convenience store. Let’s also add a few tender moments when Hugo and Amanda are alone, and he confesses his insecurities, in Portuguese, as Amanda is oblivious to what he said.

“…thankfully that dialogue is engaging and in-between the arguing are some funny moments…”

If there is a weakness, it’s in the relative predictability of this relationship and where it’s headed. At times, you may question why these two are together in the first place, and wouldn’t it be easier to break up right now and spare the pain? The danger is that audiences may give up on the couple too soon and long before that all too critical moment in the end. The film saves itself by giving us an ending that comes as a surprise and leaves you thinking about the fate of the two after the credits roll.

The advice I get from writers, directors, and actors, who’ve already made it in the show biz, is to create. Tell your stories. Make your movies. Director Putka does a fantastic job of telling writer de Sousa’s more-than-typical relationship story. Essa O’Shea gives a star-worthy performance to pull off this complicated couple in a believable way. Everyone involved with We Used to Know Each Other can confidently take that next step forward in their respective film-making careers.