Somebody told me the same about grief ... remember the person each day but slightly less each time. Eventually the memories fade, and the hurt and the loss with them. Nice idea, if only life were that simple?
Lina & Nico have a painful break-up and 'The Time It Takes' recounts moments in their 10 year relationship from Lina's point of view. The novelty about this Netflix miniseries is the deliberate present-past split in its 15-minute episodes with the past counted down one minute less each time. Present becomes more and more important than past ... and Lina moves on with her life. It's an enchanting way to tell a beautifully simple albeit quite sad story ... and with a twist at the end, of course!
Nadia De Santiago & Álvaro Cervantes are excellent in the leads, well supported by the rest of the cast and some thoughtful writing (De Santiago contributed to it) in what is quite a nice low-key "don't make a big fuss" sort of production. I liked the way the past would blur into the present but with a swift return at the end of each episode as Lina faces important life choices and puts the past behind her ... or does she?!?
Other reviews point out it would be good to shoot the series again but from Nico's point of view. Presumably the program makers have already considered this logical sequel? Recommended.
