Ian de la Rosa makes his directorial feature debut with Iván & Hadoum, a brilliantly crafted love story that explores sexuality and identity blissfully and with subtlety.
While films like Brokeback Mountain, Call Me by Your Name, and Blue Is the Warmest Color are timeless love stories where sexuality is at the center and a major influence of the plot, Iván & Hadoum treats sexuality differently. It is a known factor, explored with relevant scenes, yet it is not a determining factor of the film. It exists as part of the characters, not as the defining engine of the story.
La Rosa not only directed the film but also penned the script, which allowed him to craft these characters fully and see them come to life on screen. This dual role strengthens the film tremendously. The script itself is solid, providing a strong foundation with fully realized characters from the very beginning. Our characters feel like everyday people: relatable, real, and grounded. The dialogue is crisp, genuine, and never forced, giving the characters a natural voice that drives the story forward.
The characters’ struggles are universal. Trying to better provide for family, seeking someone who accepts them, finding joy and happiness amid chaos, and discovering who they truly are—these are challenges that resonate with most audiences. Iván’s journey as a transgender man is portrayed with care, including his interactions with peers and family. While his identity is part of the story, the film never isolates him or reduces him to that single characteristic. Instead, his sexuality and identity are seamlessly integrated, part of who he is but not the entirety of the narrative.
The film captures the struggle of self-reflection and self-image beautifully, raising questions about what kind of person one is and wants to be. These themes, often found in coming-of-age films, are handled with precision here, making them feel authentic and deeply human.
La Rosa’s direction complements the script perfectly. The film has a lean, indie, character-driven feel, reminiscent of Before Sunrise in tone and style. Every scene is purposeful, and there is virtually no fat or excess. Moments are given weight without being over-directed. Occasionally, longer shots—just two to four seconds more than usual—highlight key moments and allow the actors to breathe, letting the emotional impact come naturally from performance rather than music or editing tricks.
The film features intimate sex scenes that are graphic to some standards, yet they feel entirely natural and integral to the story. They are not used for titillation but as a truthful expression of character. The score is light and unobtrusive, giving the film a grounded, down-to-earth feel. Cinematography is crisp yet loose, supporting the story without feeling textbook or over-stylized, complementing the film’s tone effortlessly.
Performances are remarkable. Silver Chićon delivers a tender and authentic portrayal, embodying the character fully and avoiding any overacting, even in intense emotional moments. Herminia Loh Monreno brings Hadoum to life, attending to every detail, both small and large, and shines especially in moments of despair and anguish. Together, the actors create a natural chemistry that makes the story feel lived-in and believable.
Iván & Hadoum is a confident, finely tuned debut. It explores identity and love with nuance, balancing thoughtful storytelling, grounded performances, and precise direction. It is a film about living, learning, and finding oneself, reminding audiences that our defining traits are part of who we are—but never all of who we are.