Diego Lerman’s film, “The Man Who Loved UFOs,” offers an engrossing viewpoint on obsession, media manipulation, and the blurring of the lines between fact and fiction. José de Zer, played by Leonardo Sbaraglia, is an Argentine journalist who embarks on a voyage of self-discovery and deceit due to his passion for UFOs.
If you’re wondering how this film is and whether you should watch it or not, keep reading this review to decide!
From Comedy to Chaos: A Genre-Bending Experience
The movie, which was first positioned as a comedy, suddenly shifts into psychological drama and science fiction, leaving audiences unsure of the protagonist’s mental health and the accuracy of the world he fabricates for his journalism.
The film revolves around José de Zer, a journalist obsessed with the urge to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life. To boost his television audience, he undermines his credibility by creating facts to persuade them.

His acts make him a media sensation, but the film surprisingly delves into José’s personal struggles and the psychological consequences of his addiction.
José’s charisma and self-assurance make him an appealing character on television, drawing viewers into his created world. Nonetheless, his distortion of reality raises ethical questions regarding the media’s power.
A Blurred Line Between Reality and Fiction
As the story progresses, José’s life becomes increasingly entangled with hallucinations and strange occurrences, such as his contacts with a mystery engineer—who, oddly, appears only to José. This raises doubts, prompting both José and the audience to question the existence of extraterrestrials and the veracity of the events unfolding.
Leonardo Sbaraglia gives a standout performance as the multifaceted and intriguing José de Zer. His portrayal of José catches the character’s charisma, ambition, and underlying weakness, making him both captivating and terrifying.

The supporting cast, including Sergio Prina, Osmar Núñez, and Mónica Ayos, deliver powerful performances that enhance Sbaraglia’s captivating on-screen presence.
Visually, the film stands out with its vibrant cinematography. Wide-angle images are good for creating a sense of anxiety, but their overuse in some scenes may be overwhelming. The cinematography heightens the film’s bizarre ambience, drawing spectators into José’s increasingly chaotic reality.
The Power of Media Shown in The Man Who Loved UFOs
Unexpected genre exchanges may surprise some viewers. What begins as a lighthearted take on media sensationalism grows into a psychological drama about obsession, identity, and reality. This move may perplex audiences, particularly those anticipating a straightforward comedy, but it also strengthens the plot by adding depth and complexity.
At its core, the film investigates the role of media in molding views and challenging the concept of truth. José de Zer’s ability to mislead the public with confidence and charm highlights how readily people can be misled by what they see on television. Through irony, the film invites audiences to consider their part in accepting media narratives at face value.

The film The Man Who Loved UFOs deals with philosophical problems, such as whether truth is objective or a product of language and perception. José’s trip makes us wonder if he’s a brilliant manipulator or a victim of his own beliefs. The ambiguity surrounding the presence of aliens contributes to this investigation, making the picture both academically interesting and enjoyable.
The Man Who Loved UFOs is a unique movie experience that blends humor and thought-provoking issues. While the abrupt switches between genres may perplex some viewers, they also serve to emphasize the film’s fundamental message regarding the ambiguity of truth and reality.
Diego Lerman’s directing, along with Leonardo Sbaraglia’s riveting performance, ensures the film’s lasting impact.
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Conclusion
The Man Who Loved UFOs offers a captivating exploration of obsession, media manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Diego Lerman’s direction and Leonardo Sbaraglia’s brilliant performance anchor the film, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The unexpected shifts between comedy, psychological drama, and sci-fi may disorient some viewers, but they enrich the narrative, emphasizing the complexities of truth and perception.