Christian and Ivan are best friends. Ivan is gay; Christian, straight. Christian travels with his younger brother, Cole, to visit Ivan. Ivan falls in love (read infatuation) with Cole. The 'why' and 'how' of this love is never shown; the audience is simply told Ivan is in love and the two begin an affair that has no affection, only sex. During their sexual encounters, Cole repeatedly tells Ivan he "is a straight guy." Cue Christian's never-before-mentioned homophobic rage as he first sexually, then physically assaults his "best friend." Christian threatens Ivan's life and the brothers go back to L.A. Ivan, still obsessed, follows. Cole rebuffs him again, repeating the tired protestation of heterosexuality. Again, Christian assaults Ivan, who heads back to Colombia. Ivan wallows in self-pity, depression and rage. Years pass and Cole shows up declaring his feelings for Ivan. Ivan initially shows actual growth as a person, at first refusing Cole's advances. However, a handful passionless kisses later, Ivan's infatuation comes back to the forefront and the movie ends.
Christian had no (apparent) problem with Ivan's sexual orientation until suddenly he did. He goes from loving his best friend to threatening murder within just a few minutes of film time.
Cole allows himself to be manipulated by his older brother while gaslighting Ivan.
Ivan puts himself in harm's way for a perceived relationship which is anything but mutual or reciprocal.
The friendship is toxic. Ivan is codependent. The elder brother is controlling. And Cole is sociopathic with regard to the consequences of his actions.
Christian had no (apparent) problem with Ivan's sexual orientation until suddenly he did. He goes from loving his best friend to threatening murder within just a few minutes of film time.
Cole allows himself to be manipulated by his older brother while gaslighting Ivan.
Ivan puts himself in harm's way for a perceived relationship which is anything but mutual or reciprocal.
The friendship is toxic. Ivan is codependent. The elder brother is controlling. And Cole is sociopathic with regard to the consequences of his actions.