Santiago (Leonardo Sbaraglia) is a single gay man who spends his days drifting from one sexual encounter to another. With his teenage daughter Laila (Miranda de la Serna) about to flee the nest, Santiago’s behaviour hits a downward spiral as he tries to find meaning in his life and worries that he’s going to end up alone. With his ailing mother to take care of and unresolved feelings for his ex Luis (Alberto Ajaka), Santiago hurtles towards rock bottom as those he care about watch on unable to do anything.
‘Wandering Heart’ is a pretty heavy film and one that hits you hard. Essentially an exploration of a middle-aged man experiencing a mid-life crisis, the film portrays Santiago from every angle ensuring that the audience is served a fully-fleshed out character. While we’re introduced to Santiago’s hedonistic side first, seen through his tendency to attend and participate in orgies, it doesn’t take long until the layers are peeled back.
Santiago has a very intense relationship with his daughter Laila, who really looks after her father more than he looks after her. Their relationship is tempestuous as each grows frustrated of the other, and Santiago takes his insecurities out on Laila. The thought of her leaving the family home to set out on her own path terrifies Santiago, mostly because he’s concerned that he will be left alone. As their relationship bubbles under the surface of the film, the audience sees Santiago embark on a self-destructive journey that gets harder and harder to watch.
At points, Santiago seems aware that he can’t continue living his life the way he is and an impromptu trip to see his ex-boyfriend Luis, with Laila and his mother in tow, highlights just how emotionally fragile and immature he is. Desperate to reconnect with Luis, Santiago isn’t able to deal with the rejection he receives and that switches his behaviour into a more worrying gear. Stark naked and singing George Michael in the middle of the night while friends watch from a pool, Santiago always feels just seconds away from a mental breakdown.
The success of the film rests squarely on the shoulders of Leonardo Sbaraglia who gives a fearless performance. He embodies Santiago so convincingly that you can’t help feel equal parts sympathetic and frustrated, a little like his daughter Laila. You root for Santiago to get his act together for his own sake, as well as his daughter’s, but it’s clear that his journey isn’t going to be an easy one. Sbaraglia is very game in the role, taking the character to dark places but able to balance the human side of the character impressively.
‘Wandering Heart’ isn’t a light-and-fluffy film and you really should know that before going in. Santiago is likely going to be relatable to a lot of gay men who has reached middle-age but not left their partying days behind them. There’s something immensely sad about watching Santiago’s life spiral but thanks to Sbaraglia there’s always a glimmer of hope that he might turn things around. That’s what will keep you watching until the end.
Cast: Leonardo Sbaraglia, Miranda de la Serna, Eva Llorach, Alberto Ajaka Director: Leonardo Brzezicki Writer: Leonardo Brzezicki Certificate: 15 Duration: 112 mins Released by: TLA Releasing Release date: 27th February 2023 Buy ‘Wandering Heart’ now
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Wandering Heart from TLA Releasing on Vimeo.
