I was drawn to director John Butler’s Papi Chulo, a drama/comedy about a lonely weatherman’s relationship with a Latino immigrant worker because I love stories of beautiful, unexpected friendships. Especially humorous ones with engaging dialogue.

Starring Matt Bomer and Alejandro Patiño, the beautiful friendship at the core of Papi Chulo delivers some funny and memorable moments. I was moved as I watched Bomer’s portrayal of the desperation that can often come with intense loneliness, including some of the missteps one can make while seeking a quick fix.

Besides the most moving scenes, which also include the final one in Papi Chulo, one of the film’s highlights is the amusing dialogue each time immigrant worker Ernesto (Patiño) spoke to his wife on the phone.

The main thing Butler’s movie didn’t quite deliver on is consistently engaging dialogue throughout, a reality that I confess had me tempted to turn to my phone for a game of vintage Tetris a few times.

Watch Papi Chulo if you’re curious enough. There are indeed better loneliness and ‘beautiful, unexpected friendship‘ movies out there but this one also isn’t the worst.

Happy Film Loving,

G