Watch PORTO, Portugal

Porto is a moody and introspective romance set in the eponymous city in Portugal. Directed by Gabe Klinger, the film tells the story of two strangers, Jake and Mati, who have a brief but intense encounter in Porto that changes their lives forever. Jake (Anton Yelchin) is an American expatriate who teaches English at a local school in Porto. He's a brooding and sensitive soul who is struggling to find meaning in his life. Mati (Lucie Lucas) is a French artist who is visiting the city for a few days. She's mysterious and alluring, with a quiet intensity that Jake finds irresistible.

The film is structured in three parts, with each section focusing on a different aspect of the couple's relationship. The first section is called "Departure" and takes place over the course of one night. Jake and Mati meet in a bar and spend the evening wandering the streets of Porto, discussing their lives and their dreams. They seem to share an instant connection, but when Jake tries to take things further, Mati pulls away.

The second section is called "Absent" and takes place a year later. Jake has left Porto and is back in the United States, but he can't get Mati out of his head. He's haunted by memories of their brief time together and decides to return to Porto to try to find her. When he finally does track her down, he discovers that Mati has moved on with her life and is about to get married.

The final section is called "Return" and takes place another year later. Jake and Mati have a chance encounter in Porto and spend the day together, revisiting the places where they shared their brief romance. As they talk and reminisce, they both come to realize that their connection was deeper than either of them realized. However, they also realize that it's too late to turn back the clock and start anew.

Porto is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty and melancholy of Porto. The city itself becomes a character in the film, with its winding streets, colorful buildings, and dilapidated alleyways. Klinger's direction is confident and assured, with each section of the film unfolding with a deliberate pace that mirrors the characters' emotional states.

The performances by Yelchin and Lucas are excellent, with both actors bringing a sense of authenticity and vulnerability to their roles. Yelchin in particular is mesmerizing to watch, infusing Jake with a quiet intensity that draws the audience in.

The film's themes of memory, loss, and regret are universal and will resonate with anyone who has experienced a brief but intense connection with another person. Porto is not a traditional romance, but rather a meditation on the fleeting nature of love and the power it has to shape our lives.

Overall, Porto is a must-see film for anyone who appreciates thoughtful and introspective cinema. With its stunning visuals, strong performances, and poignant themes, it is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.