Skip to main content
Movie poster for Our Lovers (2016)

Our Lovers

2016
1h 28m
12 · Spanish
Search on Netflix

Overview

Carlos is a professionally frustrated screenwriter, and Irene is not sure what she wants to do with her life. When Irene meets Carlos at a coffee shop, she approaches him and, although she doesn't know him, proposes to play a game.

Cast

9 people

Reviews

4 min read

The Game of Love, or How to Lose Yourself to Find Someone Else

I’ve always been suspicious of films that promise romance as a game. The rules are usually too neat, the players too charming, the stakes too low. Our Lovers (2016), directed by Miguel Ángel Lamata, doesn’t entirely dispel that suspicion—but it does something rarer. It turns the game into a question: What if love isn’t about winning, but about choosing to play at all?

The premise is deceptively simple. Carlos (Eduardo Noriega), a screenwriter stuck in a rut, meets Irene (Michelle Jenner) in a café. She approaches him out of nowhere and proposes they play a game.

No names, no pasts, just two strangers inventing a relationship from scratch. It’s a high-concept setup, the kind that could easily devolve into a series of witty exchanges and contrived misunderstandings. But Lamata, whose background in comedy and family-oriented cinema might suggest a lighter touch, steers the film toward something more ambiguous.

The game isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a way for these characters to outrun their own lives.

A dimly lit café, two figures seated across from each other, their faces half in shadow as they lean in, the tension between intimacy and distance palpable.

What’s striking about Our Lovers is how it balances its genre trappings. It’s a romance, yes, but one that’s constantly undercut by the weight of its own premise. Carlos and Irene aren’t just flirting—they’re negotiating the terms of their own reinvention.

The film’s tone wavers between playfulness and melancholy, as if it can’t decide whether to celebrate the freedom of the game or mourn the fact that it’s necessary. That tension is its strength. Lamata doesn’t let the audience settle into one emotional register for too long.

Audience Opinions

Limited evidence
Audience 6.5/10
"A charming but uneven romantic comedy-drama with strong leads and a whimsical premise that doesn’t fully deliver on its potential."

The chemistry between the leads and the lighthearted, romantic tone make it an easy watch for genre fans. The plot is predictable and shallow, and some side characters are underdeveloped or unnecessary.

What viewers praise
  • Strong lead chemistry Eduardo Noriega and Michelle Jenner's rapport is the film's strongest asset and makes their romance engaging.
  • Lighthearted tone The whimsical, romantic atmosphere makes for a pleasant, low-stakes watch.
  • Visually appealing Stylish cinematography and aesthetics add to its charm.
Common complaints
  • Predictable plot The story follows familiar romantic comedy tropes, leaving little room for surprises or originality.
  • Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including those played by Fele Martínez and Amaia Salamanca, are thinly written and forgettable.
  • Lacks depth The emotional and narrative depth falls short of the premise and the lead performances.
Recommended for
Romantic comedy fans Lighthearted drama lovers Eduardo Noriega admirers Michelle Jenner fans Whimsical romance seekers

Full Plot (Spoilers)

Spoiler warning

This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

"Our Lovers" (2016): Behind the Scenes of Miguel Ángel Lamata’s Romantic Comedy

Miguel Ángel Lamata’s Our Lovers (2016) is a Spanish rom-com with a twist, blending comedy, drama, and romance in a story that unfolds against the backdrop of Zaragoza. Starring Eduardo Noriega, Michelle Jenner, and Fele Martínez, latestnetflix.com maintains, the film promised a fresh take on love and relationships—but what was the real story behind its making?

A Director’s Signature Style

Lamata, known for his work in comedy and family-oriented cinema, brought his signature touch to Our Lovers. Born in Zaragoza in 1967, he began his career in the 1990s with short films before transitioning to feature-length projects. His films often balance humor with emotional depth, and Our Lovers was no exception. The movie’s blend of genres—comedy, drama, and romance—reflects his ability to appeal to broad audiences while keeping the narrative engaging.

The Cast’s Chemistry

The film’s ensemble cast included some of Spain’s most recognizable faces. Eduardo Noriega, a frequent collaborator with Lamata, took on a leading role alongside Michelle Jenner, whose star power had been rising in Spanish cinema. Fele Martínez, another key player, had previously worked with Noriega in Alejandro Amenábar’s Thesis (1996), a thriller that also featured the two actors in a very different dynamic. Their reunion in Our Lovers suggested a playful contrast to their earlier, darker collaboration.

Behind the scenes, the cast seemed to enjoy the lighter tone of the project. A promotional video showed Noriega and Jenner strolling through Zaragoza, the city where much of the film was shot, hinting at a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere on set. Lamata and Noriega’s professional relationship was also well-documented; the two appeared together at film festivals and galas, suggesting a strong working rapport.

Mixed Reception and Legacy

Despite its star power and director’s pedigree, Our Lovers received mixed reviews. On SensCritique, the film earned a modest 5.9/10 rating from 91 votes, with viewers praising its charm but critiquing its pacing or predictability. Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score for the film was not prominently listed in the available evidence, leaving its reception somewhat ambiguous.

The movie’s original title, Nuestros amantes, and its 88-minute runtime positioned it as a breezy, accessible rom-com—though whether it fully delivered on that promise remains a matter of debate. For Lamata, it was another entry in a filmography that spans comedy, drama, and family films, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile director.

What We Don’t Know

While the evidence offers glimpses into the film’s production, some details remain elusive. There’s no confirmation of on-set drama, budget constraints, or behind-the-scenes anecdotes that might have shaped the final product. The promotional material suggests a lighthearted shoot, but without deeper sources, it’s hard to say whether the cast’s chemistry translated smoothly to the screen.

For fans of Spanish cinema, Our Lovers remains a curious entry—a film that promised romance and laughs but left its mark as a modest, if not groundbreaking, effort.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.

More titles in the same genres and with the same cast.