This bittersweet local comedy about the lives, loves and problems of four couples shows considerable promise for neophyte helmer Armero, even though much of the dialogue falls flat and some of the situations are forced. Pic may do OK in its home market, but probably won’t make a ripple elsewhere.

Item is centered around Pablo, who has a negative slant on life and a new bedmate. The stresses in their relationship parallel those of three other couples who are Pablo’s friends, all of whom are not satisfied with their partners but too fearful to change their lives.

At the end of the film, all that seems to remain is the disenchantment and alienation of a sector of Spanish society which has lost its bearings — if it ever had any.