"Cell phone addiction in 'I Can't Live Without You,' a comedy that disappoints."

Carlos, the protagonist of "I Can't Live Without You," is a character that represents the distressing reality of many in the digital age: cell phone addiction. Portrayed by the renowned Argentine actor Adrián Suar, the film, directed by Santiago Requejo, seeks to explore the consequences of this dependency in daily life. However, despite its interesting premise, the movie sinks in a sea of superficial and unfunny situations. From the outset, we meet Carlos as a bureaucrat who lives to please his boss, while simultaneously facing a family breakdown due to his obsession with his mobile phone. This duality in his life is presented in a narrative that, by the end of the day, feels more like a mere outline than a deep character development. The story focuses so much on Carlos that the figures around him, such as his wife Adela, played by Paz Vega, become almost irrelevant characters, relegated to the background and barely developed. Adela, who should be a pillar in Carlos's life, feels more like an accessory than a character with a voice and agency. Her presence during the first half of the film is intermittent, while her suffering due to her husband's addiction is not explored with the depth it deserves. The same goes for their children, Jaime and Teresa, who are sent abroad for studies and have little screen time, leaving the audience with a sense that the family is incomplete and disconnected. One of the few successes of the film is its representation of cell phone dependency, which resonates with the everyday experiences of many. However, even though the theme is relevant and contemporary, the way it is addressed is too superficial. The story feels like a parade of comedic situations that fail to generate laughter, which is a significant drawback for a comedy. For instance, the sequence in which Carlos tries to recover his stolen phone during a marathon is more exasperating than entertaining, and the attempt at humor dissipates in a meaningless chase. The script relies on clichés that become predictable, detracting from the excitement of moments that should be climactic. In one key scene, during Adela's sister's wedding, the protagonist demonstrates his dependence by not realizing he left his phone at home. The situation becomes ridiculous when, upon being discovered by his wife, she throws the phone into a lake—an act that, in theory, should be comedic but ends up being more absurd than funny. The therapy that Carlos attends in search of help does little to contribute to the narrative's evolution. The characters surrounding him in this support group are stereotypes that fail to connect with the audience. The premise that talking about his addiction and participating in group dynamics will help him overcome his dependency feels like a failed attempt to offer a magical solution to a problem that is much more complex in reality. As the film progresses, Carlos's development feels forced. Despite attempts to give his life a twist through handwritten letters and bike rides, the protagonist's transformation lacks authenticity. The lack of depth in his narrative arc makes his journey toward recovery feel bland and unsatisfactory. Although "I Can't Live Without You" tries to critique mobile device addiction, it does so in a way that seems simplistic and lacking in nuance. The absence of imagery representing the characters' past contributes to the viewer feeling disconnected from their stories. Without adequate context, the relationship between Carlos and Adela lacks the spark needed for their romance to be believable. Adrián Suar, acclaimed for his acting and producing talent, finds himself trapped in a role that doesn't allow him to shine. His performance feels limited by a script that squanders his comedic and dramatic potential. In contrast, his work in series like "Los protectores" demonstrates that Suar is capable of taking on much more complex and satisfying roles, leaving audiences wanting to see more of his versatility. In summary, "I Can't Live Without You" is a failed attempt to address a relevant contemporary issue, marred by weak execution and a lack of character development. The film, which could have been a profound and entertaining critique of cell phone addiction, becomes a forgettable romantic comedy, unable to capture the audience's attention in the way that was hoped for. The movie leaves a sense of loss, not only of time but also of a missed opportunity to explore a phenomenon that affects many today.