Watch Match

Match is a 2019 drama film directed by upcoming director, Lenart Dobrovic, who is known for his thought-provoking films exploring human emotions and relationships. Domingos Antonio stars as Tobi, a middle-aged man who runs a small gas station in rural Spain with his wife, Maria (Laura Aleman). Although their business is modest, they lead a content life in their small town, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, things take a dramatic turn when Tobi receives an unexpected visit from a stranger one day.

The stranger is none other than Achim (Benjamin Sadler), Tobi's long-lost friend from his youth. Achim, who is now a successful businessman, has come to visit Tobi with a request: he wants Tobi to be the referee in a table football match between himself and his old foe, Franco (Timo Jacobs). The match holds a lot of significance for Achim, as he sees it as a way to settle a long-standing rivalry that started during their student days. Tobi, who is hesitant at first, eventually agrees to referee the match, and the stage is set for an intense battle.

As the tournament progresses, tensions rise between the competitors, and old grudges resurface. Tobi, who is caught in the middle, finds himself struggling to keep the peace between the players. As the match comes to a close, Tobi is forced to make a decision that will have far-reaching consequences for all involved.

Match is a character-driven film that explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the drive to succeed. At its heart, it's a story about three men who find themselves forced to confront the unresolved issues from their past. As the film progresses, we learn more about the complex relationships that exist between the characters, and the motivations that drive them.

While the film is set against the backdrop of a table football match, it's the characters themselves that drive the narrative. The performances of the lead actors are exemplary; Domingos Antonio captures the vulnerability and depth of Tobi's character, while Laura Aleman brings a quiet strength and warmth to Maria. Benjamin Sadler's portrayal of Achim is nuanced and layered, while Timo Jacobs gives a commanding performance as Franco.

The film's pacing is deliberate, but never dull; Dobrovic takes his time to explore the characters and the world they inhabit, allowing the audience to become fully invested in their stories. This deliberate pacing also allows the tension to build gradually, leading up to a tense and emotionally charged finale.

The film's cinematography is also worth mentioning; the beautiful Spanish countryside is captured in stunning detail, creating a sense of timelessness and beauty. The table football matches themselves are also cleverly shot, with the camera providing a unique perspective of the game that draws the viewer in.

Overall, Match is a beautiful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of human relationships with sensitivity and depth. The film's exceptional performances, beautiful cinematography, and compelling script make it a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas.