TRUMAN (Spain)

Julián receives an unexpected visit from his friend Tomás, who lives in Canada. The two men, accompanied by Julián’s faithful dog, Truman, will share emotional and surprising moments prompted by Julián’s complicated situation. —IMDB

A beautifully humorous and sensitive drama comedy about death and dying and friendship. The Truman of the title is a dog and Julián, who is the one dying of cancer, is really only concerned about making sure his animal companion is well cared for after Julián dies. His friend, Tomás is confronted by his friend’s approach to his clearly impending death. The two lead men, two of Spains top actors, are brilliant and their performances make this most definitely worth seeing. The director has walked a careful line between sensationalism and excessive melancholy. One might think that the themes of death and dying will be depressing. But I found calming and reassuring. It avoids any superficial “Hollywood” ending and comes across as intimate and carefully observed. Don’t miss it.