The exploration of love and mortality has been a recurring theme in storytelling across cultures and eras. From the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to the lighthearted (albeit cheesy) 2005 film Just Like Heaven, the interplay between love and death provides fertile ground for narratives that grapple with the human condition. Apple TV+’s latest offering, Love You to Death, joins this lineage, presenting a seven-episode romantic comedy centered around a man facing his own mortality and the woman who unexpectedly enters his life. Created and directed by Dani de la Orden, this Spanish series, starring Joan Amargós and Verónica Echegui, transports us to the vibrant backdrop of Barcelona, where two former schoolmates find their lives intertwined once more, this time against the backdrop of life-altering circumstances.
Love You to Death
Love You to Death introduces us to Raúl (Joan Amargós) and Marta (Verónica Echegui), two individuals whose paths cross again at a funeral, a somber occasion that takes on a particular significance for Raúl. He has recently received a devastating diagnosis: a malignant tumor in his heart. Faced with slim odds of survival after surgery, Raúl grapples with his mortality. Meanwhile, Marta, a free-spirited and vivacious woman, receives her own life-altering news: a positive pregnancy test. As Marta contemplates the implications of bringing a new life into the world, she finds herself drawn to Raúl, reigniting a friendship that blossoms into something more profound.
The series skillfully navigates the delicate balance between humor and pathos. The writers wisely choose not to drown the narrative in sentimentality, opting instead to infuse the story with a healthy dose of humor. This approach allows the series to explore the inherent absurdity of life and death, preventing it from becoming overly saccharine. Amargós and Echegui deliver compelling performances, embodying their characters with authenticity and charm. Raúl, with his expressive and somewhat melancholic eyes, is particularly captivating. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, making their connection believable and endearing. As viewers, we find ourselves rooting for them to find happiness amidst the challenges they face.
The supporting cast adds depth and texture to the narrative. Paula Malia shines as Georgina, even though her character embodies the somewhat tired trope of the overbearing ex-girlfriend. Cristian Valencia brings warmth and humor to the role of Edu, Raúl’s loyal best friend who provides unwavering support. Clàudia Melo delivers a nuanced portrayal of Ana, Marta’s more traditional sister, whose dynamic with Marta adds an interesting layer to the story. Although her screen time is limited, Paula Escoda makes a memorable impression as Iveth, Marta’s awkward and unsettling intern.
Love You to Death occupies a peculiar space in the current television landscape. While it attempts to address contemporary issues, it also draws on comedic tropes that feel somewhat dated. There’s a distinct How I Met Your Mothervibe to the series, with its blend of edgier humor and formulaic storytelling. This can create a somewhat jarring viewing experience, as the series oscillates between modern sensibilities and nostalgic throwbacks. Some jokes land perfectly, eliciting genuine laughter, while others fall flat or feel out of sync with the times. For instance, the series occasionally resorts to humor that relies on outdated stereotypes or potentially offensive remarks, which can be uncomfortable for modern audiences. While there’s a certain comfort in the familiar structure of a classic rom-com, the reliance on these well-worn tropes can sometimes detract from the overall impact of the story.
While Love You to Death has its moments of charm, it also suffers from some significant storytelling issues. The series struggles to fully develop Marta’s character, particularly in relation to her pregnancy. Her pregnancy arc feels underdeveloped and often seems like an afterthought. The series fails to convincingly portray the internal conflict Marta should be experiencing as she contemplates motherhood. Her character arc lacks depth and fails to explore the complexities of her situation. The revelation of the father’s identity feels rushed and anticlimactic, further underscoring the underdevelopment of this storyline.
One of the major shortcomings of the series is its failure to fully explore the characters’ lives before their life-altering events. We are given glimpses into their pasts, but these glimpses are too brief to provide a meaningful understanding of who they are outside of their current circumstances. This lack of backstory makes it difficult to fully appreciate the changes they undergo as a result of their respective challenges. We never truly see Marta as the wild party girl she is supposed to be, nor do we witness the full extent of Raúl’s alleged cautiousness. This lack of character development undermines the central theme of the series, which is supposed to be about change and finding common ground.
Despite its flaws, Love You to Death offers a reasonably engaging romantic comedy experience. The chemistry between Amargós and Echegui is undeniable, and their performances are a major highlight of the series. The series has moments of genuine humor and heart, even if it occasionally stumbles with its outdated comedic sensibilities and underdeveloped storylines. While the series may not break any new ground in the rom-com genre, it offers a lighthearted and entertaining diversion.
Love You to Death is a flawed but ultimately charming romantic comedy. While it suffers from some significant storytelling issues and its humor can be inconsistent, the series has its moments of genuine heart and humor. The chemistry between Amargós and Echegui is undeniable, and their performances are a major highlight. While the series may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, it offers a lighthearted and entertaining diversion for fans of the rom-com genre.
