“To Hell With the Ugly” Review

“To Hell With the Ugly” from Spain is simply one of the best romantic comedies I have ever seen. Director Nacho G. Velilla’s spin on the “Ugly Betty” phenomena pits two ugly, lonely people and gives them a second chance at finding true love proving the beauty is only skin deep. Eliseo’s (Javier Cámara) entire existence has been cursed by the fact that he is not the best looking guy in the world, and at the age of 41 is unmarried and unable to find a woman that can look beyond his “ugly” exterior and find the beauty within. After a tragic family accident, Eliseo is reunited with Nati (Carmen Machi) who is herself cursed with some physical impediments. Together, they find each other and look beyond the physical to find love, but there is just one problem…Nati is married to Eliseo’s brother.

Eliseo and Nati are joined by a cast of colorful characters that include: Monica, a lesbian who wants to desperately get pregnant; Bertín, a mildly mentally challenged adult; Auxilio, the crazy uncle with words of wisdom to impart, and more.

“To Hell With the Ugly” is a barrel of laughter and the cinematography is just amazing as we are treated to the rustic Spanish architecture and open fields this region has to offer. I particularly loved the film’s soundtrack. It mixes pop and ballad songs that make you just want to get up and dance and sing.

Nacho Velilla does a great job in painting Eliseo and Nati’s “ugliness” in a realistic manner that resonates well with people’s emotions. I am sure most of us have at one point or another felt shun by society or that love interest because one’s looks were not up to the other person’s standards. This film speaks out to people from all walks of life, and the audience is able to connect with not just Eliseo and Nati but with the rest of the colorful characters in the film as well.

NEXT SCREENING AT SBIFF: Wednesday February 2, 8:10 AM at Metro 4 Theater III; Friday February 4, 10:20 PM at Metro 4 Theater III

WATCH THE TRAILER:

To Hell With the Ugly