Puerto Rico, Spain, and the Heartfelt Rom-Com Defying Taboos
A lively new romantic comedy, “@amor,” links Puerto Rico and Galicia, Spain, in a playful yet candid look at HPV and modern romance. It fuses humor, heartfelt characters, and universal truths, challenging taboos while celebrating human connection across cultures.
A Love Story Bridging Two Worlds
Debuting this Thursday, the film “@amor” follows the journey of Yuliana, a young Puerto Rican woman who travels to northern Spain on a quest for love and understanding. When she discovers that she carries the human papillomavirus (HPV), her life takes an unexpected turn; according to interviews with EFE, the production team aimed to present the virus not as a source of shame but rather as a real-life obstacle that many people face. Along the way, they fold in comedic misadventures and a vibrant sense of place, uniting two corners of the Atlantic through whimsy and soul-searching.
Filmed partly in Puerto Rico and partly in the breezy landscapes of Galicia, the story captures the sunny energy of the Caribbean while weaving in the more temperate, salt-tinged charm of Spain’s north coast. Yuliana’s escapades begin when she decides to try a dating app to meet people in Galicia. Her friends, known as “Las Pipas,” urged her. This leads her to a series of notable meetings with local suitors. One is Xavi, nicknamed “El Bizcochito”. His bold nature plus wit lift the tale. Yet overshadowing Yuliana’s comedic experiences is the deeper theme of living with HPV, a virus that remains shrouded in silence throughout much of Latin culture.
Though the movie revels in comedic set pieces, from awkward first encounters to riotous group chats, it also highlights the barriers and inner anxieties that come with having a sexually transmitted infection in a society that can be judgmental. By giving Yuliana a hopeful and empowering arc, the filmmakers strive to confront negative stereotypes and show how open conversations about health can liberate individuals from fear.
A Personal Tale, a Collective Message
The comedic romp unfolding on screen has roots in real life: as director Annabelle L. Mullen reveals, much of the story draws from her own experiences with HPV. During an interview with EFE, Mullen said she wanted a film that treated the virus lightly. She aimed for a movie that started talks while lowering judgment. She mixed personal tales with made-up parts to form Yuliana’s emotional path, which turned weakness into funny moments.
In the film, Yuliana’s quest for love—and self-acceptance—begins the moment she learns of her diagnosis. Mullen says she hopes a single viewer, upon watching “@amor,” might feel more comfortable seeing a doctor or confiding in friends about HPV. That possibility alone, she insists, justifies the entire production. Beyond Yuliana’s funny adventures, a broad message exists: people may face health problems without shame by using the help of friends, open talks, and clear minds.
Mullen managed a creative group mostly of women; this choice gave the story a personal note. Puerto Rican actress Marisé Álvarez shows Yuliana faces hardships, then wins over challenges using humor plus care. Mullen states that Álvarez gives fresh traits to the role, which makes the character come off as strong yet plainly human. The film does not simply replicate Mullen’s life; instead, it allows Álvarez to introduce fresh elements to the character. Additionally, the subplots focus on Yuliana’s broader social network, showcasing her friends in Puerto Rico and her new acquaintances in Galicia, which highlights the connection between the two cultures on-screen.
Adventures in Galicia: Laughter and Love
The second part of “@amor” takes place in Galicia. The cold Atlantic wind meets the local outdoors plus the Spanish style; these mix with Yuliana’s view from the Caribbean. She uses a dating app that causes humorous events that show how love today remains uncertain. According to actor Anselmo Menéndez, who plays the memorable Xavi—nicknamed “El Bizcochito”—stepping onto the set was a joyful experience. In an interview with EFE, he recounts how each comedic encounter resonates with the audience’s own experiences of misfired pickup lines and misunderstandings.
Another Spanish actor, Christian Escuredo, plays Iago, a key figure in Yuliana’s change. His humor plus sincerity help Yuliana restore her confidence while she reviews life’s priorities. Escuredo confides that the real-life counterpart of Iago is Mullen’s actual husband, whom she met in Galicia, but the actor chose not to meet him until the final day of filming, wanting to create the role without mimicking a real person. This approach allowed him to bring an authenticity that merges dramatized romance with the genuine spark of a real love story.
For both Menéndez and Escuredo, filming in Puerto Rico and Spain offered a cultural blend as rich as the comedic material. They highlight how “@amor” embraces a cross-Atlantic perspective—where flamboyant parties on the island resonate with the quiet magic of Galician vistas. The synergy of these two backdrops lends the film a dynamic visual feel, underscoring that love and laughter can flourish anywhere, bridging large distances and cultural quirks.
A Humorous Lens on HPV
Maybe the strongest element of “@amor” is its choice to make HPV the main subject – a decision rarely seen in popular films. Mullen claims that comedy in stories works as a strong method to remove social taboos; the film’s ending credits include a note that calls on people to discuss sexually transmitted infections openly. By portraying characters who navigate such topics in funny, endearing ways, “@amor” fosters an environment that normalizes discussions about sexual health.
Before the movie started, the team set up an event that invited people to tell their own stories or describe the traits they wanted in a partner. The film’s start helped the Las Voces de Rhaiza Foundation, which works to stop cervical cancer on the island. The mix of funny moments with public awareness shows Mullen’s idea: real change may start in a theater as laughter slowly removes doubt and lack of knowledge.
Also Read: Netflix Premieres’ Medusa’ a Colombian Tale of Family Betrayal
In the end, “@amor” uses local culture and modern romance to form a story aimed at entertaining while boosting spirits. By placing the story in Puerto Rico as well as Galicia, director Annabelle L. Mullen presents a personal yet shared journey – a sign that life’s tough moments, even the painful ones, can cause humor as well as change. With light humor and clear discussion, the film helps people in Latin America, Spain, plus other regions to meet hard subjects with understanding plus courage while creating a situation where love, health, plus laughter come together.
