The highly anticipated “Strange Way of Life” a short film that ran festival circuits and had a limited release in major theaters is now available on streaming platforms and video on demand. The film directed and written by Pedro Almodovar stars Ethan Hawke as Sheriff Jake and Pedro Pascal as Silva. The story is comparable to Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” due to the “Love that can’t be talked about” situation between Jake and Silva. Something that started 25 years ago and hasn’t been forgotten by neither men despite the distance between them; only to be reignited when Silva appears at Jake’s door. But are his intentions purely for Jake or is there more to it?

The film with a runtime of 32 minutes wastes no time, largely due to Pedro Almodovar’s masterful eye for what needs to be shown and what doesn’t. From Silva’s ride into town to the moment the two men lay eyes on each other; this Spanish Western styled in the days of Zorro or John Wayne for the world these two men live in gives the sense that the word “gay” is not something you hear. From the moment one of the townspeople alerts Jake to the fact that the suspected killer he is investigating was witnessed in detail, it’s clear that someone is always watching him. Jake finds the idea of following through with Silva’s desire to open a ranch together and be with him in a way that would be known by only the two of them preposterous. Largely because their lives or at least his comes with honor and responsibility.

The characters are well fleshed out by the script which largely outlines the two men and their values. The suspect in the murder is Silva’s son Joe (George Steane). Something Jake is aware of as he invites his ex lover of 66 days back to his place. The words they say, the look in their eyes, and the 25-year gap between the last time they saw each other and the time both agree when Silva drinks too much is masterfully shot in a way to give the audience a sense of intimacy which is perfectly portrayed by the two veteran actors. The way Pedro has no problem baring his naked butt to the viewer as the camera pans over body, after his night with Jake, is evidence of how much both men are committed to their roles and story. Ethan Hawke, eyes open laying naked in a bathtub as Jake is thinking very hard about his next move. Really kept me on the edge of my seat as I watched the two characters get into the old scars they left behind on each other figuratively.

It was a pity that the film was so short because every shot was so well done. The script gives you just enough information as well as the actors portrayals to let you know how you should feel in regard to what you’re seeing. Whether it’s the lonesome horse ride where you see the two men’s first time having sex, versus the last time they had sex, both shown in flashbacks to show where their minds are at.

By the time you get to climax where three guns are drawn at three different men it’s clear. As Silva says “this is fate”. Special kudos to Ethan Hawke for playing the closeted bisexual man perfectly. Despite his gruff attitude and very honorable way of being, it is clear that Jake yearns for the life that Silva is offering. Something I don’t think we could have gotten if any other actor played the role.

Rating- 5 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix/Amazon Prime