At Oscars Central, we stand in full solidarity with SAG-AFTRA. This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, films would not exist. If you are able to, you can make a donation to the Entertainment Community Fund here.

If Strange Way of Life had been a feature film, it could have been one of the best films of the year. In its current state, the master filmmaker isn’t able to truly unpack the weight of the story he desires to tell. 

Over the last few years, we’ve seen more and more films with longer runtimes (well utilized or not). If there was ever a film that need to be longer, it is Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film. Strange Way of Life is a story about longing and curtailed desires, so it makes sense to walk away wanting more. However, the moment the film feels truly hooks you with its narrative, the film ends. Despite beautiful cinematography, a lush score, fantastic costumes, and powerful performances, Strange Way of Life falls short. 

In this Yves Saint Laurent Western short, Almodóvar focuses on human connection and unfulfilled desires with Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal as his leading men. In Strange Way of Life, we follow Silva (Pascal) and Jake (Hawke) reunite after decades apart. Silva is a rancher in the hills, living his life much more leisurely than Jake, who is a sheriff in town. At what first feels like an innocent reunion between two former lovers, it soon becomes clear there’s a complex, emotional battle at the center of their reunion. Silva’s son, Joe (George Steane), has been accused of killing Jake’s sister-in-law. While their reunion is full of tragedy, Almodóvar’s script combined with the two leading performances always let the audience know it was fate for them to be back together. 

Strange Way of Life is stunning from the Anthony Vaccarello designs to the breathtaking cinematography from José Luis Alcaine. The gorgeous score by Alberto Iglesias truly sends home the sweeping, heartbreaking message Almodóvar wants to convey. Unfortunately, the short runtime hinders his ability to truly allow audiences to unpack the intricate story between Silva and Jake. There’s so much history between the two lovers and so much to come, yet our time with them is so brief. Hawke and Pascal are breathtaking together; the longing in their eyes and desire conveyed from a simple touch truly elevates the film.   

As soon as the film hits an emotional high note, Strange Way of Life comes to an abrupt end. If the film had been a feature film, it could have been one of the best films of the year. In its current state, the master filmmaker isn’t able to truly unpack the weight of the story he desires to tell.

Grade: C+

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: Best Live Action Short
Should be Considered: Best Costume Design

Release Date: October 4, 2023
Where to Watch: In Select Theaters