An Argentine love story, Autumn Sun is an exceptionally well-acted film that follows Clara, a beautiful middle-aged Jewish woman, through an unexpected affair with a gentile. Tender and touching, the film abandons Hollywood’s glossy sheen to explore life and love as it really happens.

“If you want to be happy for a day, get drunk; if you want to be happy for three days, get married; but if you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a garden,” Clara declares, making it clear that relationships are the last thing on her mind.

A striking, level-headed woman whose life is full of tap dancing, a successful career, and friends, Clara doesn’t need a man to make her happy. But when her brother from America plans a visit, she doesn’t want him seeing her single – and the plotting begins. Raul, handsome and charming, would be the perfect fake boyfriend if he weren’t a gentile. Although somewhat reluctant, he agrees to Clara’s crash course in Judaism and the plot to deceive her brother. As the two spend an increasing amount of time together, their friendship develops into something more — but secrets and past mistakes threaten what could be the perfect love affair.

Although she claims to be happy living alone, there’s no doubt that Clara could benefit from a companion. Her purse is stolen by a teenage boy in the film’s opening and, later, when driving alone at night, she gets a flat tire and has to fix it herself in the dark. Clara’s vulnerability as a single woman is apparent. When she starts day dreaming about Humphrey Bogart, it’s clear Clara actually does want a man on some level — even if she won’t admit it.

Clara employs the usual bevy of reasons to declare a lack of interest in Raul because he doesn’t share her faith. But she comes to appreciate the sacrifices he makes in order to please her in her brother’s deception. An eager pupil, Raul takes on the fatty diet of Jewish foods — despite the fact that it’s bad for his health — and humbly accepts constant insults for his mispronunciation of Yiddish words. Instead of serving as a barrier between them, Judaism becomes a platform for conversation and personal exploration. As Raul learns about the Jewish culture, they both learn about each other.

Autumn Sun embraces the notion that romance can be found at all ages. Under Raul’s gaze, Clara glows with a renewed self-confidence, and Raul is happy to reinforce her newfound sense of self, telling her how beautiful she looks. Instead of the impulsive and naïve relationships they might have suffered through as teenagers, Clara and Raul’s love is slow and thoughtful. They both know who they are and what they like. This self-awareness allows for deep and sincere emotions to blossom between them.

But while life experience might make Clara and Raul wiser in love, it doesn’t mean they don’t act foolishly. While avoiding the pitfalls that might trap younger lovers, their painful pasts make them wary.

Ultimately it is Clara who must decide whether gaining Raul’s love is worth losing her independence . As a radio announcer declares at the beginning of the film, “There are neither winners or loser in this town…there are simply survivors.”

Clara can go the safe route of survival, but must find out if she’s willing to take the risks required to love Raul, and really live.