Love at First Kiss

Behind the Scenes of Love at First Kiss (2023): A Spanish Rom-Com with Heart

Love at First Kiss (2023) arrived as a breezy, feel-good Spanish rom-com, but what went into making this Netflix hit? Directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azúa—known for her knack for intimate, character-driven stories—the film stars Álvaro Cervantes and Silvia Alonso as two strangers whose lives intertwine after a fateful (and literal) first kiss. While the movie’s premise is lighthearted, the production had its own share of charm, challenges, and behind-the-scenes buzz.

A Director’s Vision: From Script to Screen

Alauda Ruiz de Azúa, whose previous work includes the critically acclaimed Lullaby (2022), brought a fresh yet grounded approach to Love at First Kiss. Though details about the film’s development are scarce, Ruiz de Azúa’s signature style—focused on authentic relationships and subtle humor—shines through in the final product. The director’s ability to balance romance with realism likely played a key role in shaping the film’s tone, making it more than just a typical rom-com.

The script, while not widely dissected in available sources, appears to lean into the "meet-cute" trope with a twist, setting up a premise that’s equal parts sweet and unpredictable. Given Ruiz de Azúa’s background, it’s plausible the story was crafted to feel personal rather than formulaic, though specifics about script revisions or inspirations remain unconfirmed.

Casting Chemistry: Cervantes and Alonso Lead the Way

Álvaro Cervantes and Silvia Alonso, the film’s leads, were already familiar faces in Spanish cinema and television before Love at First Kiss. Cervantes, known for his roles in Elite and The Cook of Castamar, brought a mix of charm and vulnerability to his character, while Alonso—star of The Innocent and Días de Navidad—delivered a performance that balanced wit and warmth.

The supporting cast, including Gorka Otxoa (Patria), Susana Abaitua (The Cook of Castamar), and Pilar Castro (Perfect Strangers), added depth to the ensemble. While there’s no public record of on-set antics or improvisations, the chemistry between the actors feels natural in the final cut, suggesting a collaborative and relaxed filming environment. Rumors of off-camera friendships between the cast members—particularly Cervantes and Otxoa, who’ve worked together before—have circulated, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

Production and Release: A Netflix Original

Love at First Kiss was produced as a Netflix original, which likely streamlined certain aspects of production, from budgeting to distribution. The film’s release in 2023 aligned with Netflix’s push for more international content, particularly in the romance genre. The platform’s global reach ensured the movie found audiences beyond Spain, though specific viewership numbers or critical reception metrics aren’t publicly available in the provided sources.

Two official trailers—one with English subtitles and another in Spanish —hinted at the film’s playful tone, teasing the central "first kiss" gimmick while keeping the plot’s twists under wraps. A family-friendly review from Friday Family Film Night praised the movie’s humor and heart, suggesting it struck a chord with viewers looking for a light, uplifting escape.

What We Don’t Know (Yet)

Despite the film’s popularity, some behind-the-scenes details remain elusive. There’s no confirmation of:

• Filming locations: Whether the movie was shot in Madrid, Barcelona, or another Spanish city. - Budget or box office: Netflix rarely discloses these figures for its original films. - Director’s cut or deleted scenes: No reports of alternate versions or extended footage. - Awards or nominations: The film hasn’t been widely recognized in major festivals or ceremonies, at least not in the available evidence.

The Verdict: A Charming, If Under-the-Radar, Rom-Com

Love at First Kiss may not have generated the same level of buzz as some of Netflix’s bigger rom-coms (like Love at First Sight, which shares a similar title but is unrelated), but it carved out its own niche. With Ruiz de Azúa at the helm and a talented cast, the film delivered exactly what it promised: a sweet, low-stakes romance with just enough quirk to stand out.

For fans of Spanish cinema or anyone craving a lighthearted love story, Love at First Kiss is a solid pick—and a reminder that sometimes, the best romances start with a single, unexpected moment.