Through My Window: Across the Sea

Through My Window (Spanish: A través de mi ventana) is a romantic drama film from Spain that premiered on Netflix on 04 February 2022. Directed by Marçal Forés and written by Eduard Sola, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Ariana Godoy. The cast includes Julio Peña as Ares Hidalgo, Clara Galle as Raquel Mendoza, and Pilar Castro as Rosa María.

The story revolves around Raquel, who begins to share her personal journey. She is portrayed as a student who struggles to express herself in class. Despite her talent for storytelling, she lacks the courage to share her experiences. Her narrative unfolds in her modest home, which is overshadowed by the luxurious Hidalgo mansion next door. The Hidalgos are affluent, running Alpha 3, a powerful company in Spain, and they live a lifestyle far removed from Raquel's.

Raquel is infatuated with Ares, one of the Hidalgo brothers, but their relationship is complicated. Ares hacks into Raquel's Wi-Fi, leading to a confrontation where she confesses her feelings for him. As their connection deepens, Raquel attempts to assert her independence by unplugging the Wi-Fi, but Ares climbs through her window to reconnect it, igniting a passionate moment between them.

Throughout the film, their relationship oscillates between romance and tension. Raquel's confidence grows as she navigates various situations, including attending parties and confronting family dynamics. A significant turning point occurs when Raquel accompanies Ares to a family event, where she faces embarrassment due to her mother’s position as a waiter. This moment prompts heartfelt discussions between Raquel and her mother about ambition and self-expression.

As their relationship develops, Ares grapples with familial expectations and his own feelings. He eventually admits that he has been avoiding Raquel because of the emotional turmoil he experiences around her. However, a dramatic altercation involving Ares and Raquel’s friend Yoshi escalates tensions, resulting in Ares being hospitalized. This incident leads to Ares's family allowing him to pursue his dreams, and he decides to study medicine abroad.

By the film's conclusion, Ares confesses that he intentionally disrupted their Wi-Fi connection to communicate with Raquel. In a bold move, Raquel publishes her own book titled Through My Window, marking her growth in confidence and storytelling ability. As the credits roll, the audience sees Ares climbing through her window once again, hinting at a reconciliation.

Through My Window has garnered mixed reviews, with some critics expressing disappointment in its conventional plot and reliance on clichés. However, the film has also resonated with audiences looking for a heartfelt teen romance.

As of now, a sequel titled Through My Window: Across the Sea was released on 23 June 2023, and a third installment, Through My Window 3: Looking at You, is set to release on 23 February 2024.