Tropic (2023)

Twin siblings are training at the French astronaut school for the opportunity to represent their country at the European Space Agency selection programme. It's 2041 and the two are swimming in a lake when the more experienced and successful of the two is exposed to something. Nobody knows quite what it was, but the result is entirely debilitating for "Tristan" (Louis Peres) and that leaves "Laz" (Pablo Cobo) dealing with issues of guilt and also with a determination not to let his brother - or their mother "Mayra" (a strong effort here from Martia Nieto) down. Can he raise his game and stay motivated? Can anything be done to help his brother who is becoming more and more frustrated? Add to the mix, their increasingly disgruntled colleague (Marvin Dubart) whose resentment could end up kiboshing everything for everyone. This is essentially a love story. Not sentimental, but one of trust and inter-reliance between a family who must deal with a trauma and with the impact that has on all of them. Promises made in the cold light of day become less plausible, less keep-able as the story reaches a denouement that is potent (if maybe not so terribly plausible). This is a clever look at grit and determination, and of familial loyalty and though set in the uber-competitive scenario of the space race, could easily be applied to many a scenario where siblings that are inseparable face a crisis that tests their mettle, their love and their respect - and there is seldom a simple solution for the runner-up. This is well worth a watch - the photography is intimate and the dialogue sparing. That allows the characters to shine through a bit more authentically. Try seeing how long you can hold your breath for - I managed 17 seconds.....