My Fault (2023) Movie Review
If you can look past the whole step-sibling theme, My Fault turns out to be a fantastic love story. The movie follows Noah (played by Nicole Wallace), a teenager forced to move away from her town, boyfriend, and friends because her mom married a wealthy guy she barely knows. Upon reaching her new home, she meets her new stepbrother, Nick (played by Gabriel Guevara). Despite Nick portraying himself as the perfect golden child, Noah soon discovers he has secrets too.
Right from the beginning, the movie drops hints about Noah's involvement in car racing with her dad, shown in a picture frame. We don't know if she's any good or just watched from the sidelines in a matching uniform. This builds up to a moment when Noah gets stuck in the driver's seat during a race, revealing more about her character. The film does a good job of unraveling the layers of both characters, particularly Noah, throughout the night after the race.
The use of flashbacks to depict Noah's childhood is effective, especially the fight scene mirroring her parents' argument. After her hand gets injured during a gang fight, Nick wraps a bandana around it, hinting at a shift in his character. Nick's bond with his little sister Maddie reveals a softer side, making the audience fall for him. This emotional technique is effective in showcasing the depth of his character.
The film stars Gabriel Guevara as Nick, known for How to Screw It All Up and Tomorrow is Today. Nicole Wallace, known for Parrot and Skam EspaƱa, plays Noah. Fran Berenguer portrays the enemy Ronnie, known for Blowing Kisses and The Longest Night. Eva Ruiz, a singer known for her music, plays Nick's friend Jenna.
The chemistry between Nick and Noah is excellent, making the film entertaining. Nick's initial teasing tone transforms into genuine affection, evident when he defends Noah from another guy. Nick's charisma, portrayed skillfully by Guevara, adds a teasing element to the scenes. Ronnie, played by Berenguer, is convincingly threatening, adding to the film's tension.
The camera work in this movie is truly amazing throughout. In the beginning, when Noah leaves her home, she glances back at her childhood room. There's a subtle detail – a big dent in her door, like someone punched it. It's not in the center of the shot, but kind of hidden in the background. It's a cool technique because the film doesn't explain it right away; instead, it becomes significant later in the story.
Most of the songs on the soundtrack are in Spanish, which makes sense since it's originally a Spanish film. If you don't speak Spanish, you might miss some song messages. But for those who do, these songs really amp up emotional scenes and tie the whole film together. There are a few English songs that work well too, adding to the scenes' vibes. In short, the soundtrack is the perfect finishing touch.
Towards the end of the movie, the buildings and scenery are impressive. Even if you don't know it was filmed in Spain, you can tell it's some European city because of the fancy architecture. Despite Nick and Noah driving and racing, the surroundings look incredibly real. It's usually tough to make background scenes through car windows look convincing, often done with a green screen. This falling action scene, with Noah driving and Nick close behind, gives a thriller movie vibe. My Fault isn't just a typical romantic comedy – it has guns and violence. Despite the suspense, the film still manages to make the setting romantic. The shots are detailed and visually captivating.
If you're into Wattpad stories, you'll love this movie because it started as one and has a storyline similar to popular Wattpad tales. It's like Purple Hearts and After, so if you're a fan of those movies with the enemies-to-lovers theme, this one is a must-watch. The film is super entertaining, giving romantic comedy fans the perfect escape they crave. But here's the cool part – it's not all about romance. There are some thrilling moments that spice things up. The best thing? The main characters' intensity and chemistry make the movie totally gripping.