Goyo (2024) - Movie Review - Aspergers And Love In Argentina

Netflix just recently added an Argentinian romance film called 'Goyo'. The movie hit the OTT platform on July 5th, 2024. While the movie falls into some classic pitfalls and tropes of its genre, it also has its moments. This review will highlight this movie's flaw's and high points so you, as a reader can decide whether it's worth a watch.

Aspergers, Savant Syndrome, And Mental Health Tropes

Autism and characters that are on the autism spectrum tend to be hard to depict in media without falling into one of many tropes. Many times characters in media who are autistics are shown to have over-exaggerated symptoms. These symptoms are either played for laughs, or used as a way to pity the character.

In some cases, when the media revolves around the discussion of autism, a character is shown to be successful despite their autism, because they have savant syndrome, which is when a person shows exceptional skill or understanding of one very specialised field. Examples of this would be Raymond from 'Rain Man' and Dr. Shaun from 'The Good Doctor'.

'Goyo' is one of those cases as well, as the main character, Goyo, also has savant syndrome, being exceptional at painting and very knowledgeable about art.

Now, these depictions often lead to people assuming that all people on the autism spectrum may also have savant syndrome, which is not always the case. But, if one is able to ignore that problem, the depiction of the main protagonist's condition is done in a sympathetic light.

For one, while the Netflix description refers to the protagonist as having autism, Goyo confirms later on that he has been diagnosed with aspergers, which is a more specific area of autism where individuals show some symptoms like difficulty in social interaction, but also tend to be more high-functioning.

For two, the movie also shows the many different reactions individuals can have towards those that have this condition. Some try to baby Goyo, while others feel the need to let him be autonomous. Some are confused by his behaviour, while others are practically hostile. But the main focus of the movie is not on just Goyo himself, but also his love interest and a mother with two kids, Eva.

To Love Someone Despite Or Because Of Their Conditions

Eva doesn't have a mental health condition. At least not one explicitly stated in the movie. That doesn't mean she's without her fair share of problems.

She's middle-aged, with a husband who went to prison and can be abusive. She's unable to properly divorce him as she has to look out for her two kids. She's also the sole breadwinner of her household, which is a small, one-floor apartment building. While she's educated, her background and skills weren't enough to secure her a job she wants so she works in a place she doesn't even understand well

Goyo, on the other hand, is prodigious in art, lives in a mansion, has two siblings who care for him a lot, and has a job which is perfectly suited to his talents and knowledge.

This, of course, leads to the validity of Eva's feelings towards Goyo. Does she love him for his personality? Or does she love him for his wealth? Or is her interest towards Goyo purely because of his condition? She states to a friend that Goyo may be a person who may never be able to lie, cheat or be cruel because of his Aspergers. Is this love appropriate? No real answer is given.

To contrast this, Goyo's love towards Eva is a pure 'love at first sight' cliche. He doesn't know anything about her when he first sees her. In fact, her behaviour appears brash and aggressive at first. But somehow, amidst the rain, he sees her from an angle where she appears beautiful, almost angelic.

It's a simple love, which he pursues regardless of what those around him think about it. While the movie comes with its fair share of problems, at the end of the day, it's about two people with their fair share of issues falling in love with one another.

If some of the issues I listed are things you're uncomfortable with or uninterested in, then maybe the movie may not be for you. But for those who are looking for simple, drama-filled love story with some unusual characters, then 'Goyo' may be the movie for you.