Movie Review - Strange Way of Life Earns Four Stars

Strange Way of Life is a 31-minute 2023 Spanish Western drama written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar starring Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke. It's a gay cowboy movie that I have been looking forward to all summer.

The film follows Silva (Pascal), a gunslinger who rides into town to visit his old friend, now Sheriff Jake (Hawke) after 25 years. Silva is in love with Jake. However, there is more to this reunion.

Almodóvar explores the complex relationship between the two men with great sensitivity. Silva is conflicted by his feelings for Jake, while Jake is struggling to come to terms with his own sexuality. The film also touches on themes of regret, second chances, and the importance of knowing when to miss your shot.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning desert landscapes and intimate close-ups of the two actors. The chemistry between Pascal and Hawke is palpable, and their love scenes were great. They are both sensual and passionate.

A fun feature of this movie is getting to see Pedro Pascal's face and a LOT more. (I crush on Pedro Pascal.)

My only real criticism of Strange Way of Life is that it is way too short. The movie just stops! I wanted to spend more time with Silva and Jake, to learn more about their backstory and what happens next. However, even at its brief runtime, the film is worth watching.

Overall, I highly recommend Strange Way of Life to anyone who enjoys well-made films with complex characters and strong performances. It is a unique take on the Western genre.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars