In the often hyper-masculine world of professional football, love is seen as a distraction and vulnerability as a flaw. Mario (2018), directed by Marcel Gisler, tells a deeply resonant queer story about two young footballers grappling with first love, societal prejudice, and the brutal costs of living authentically. A slow-burn but emotionally shattering film, Mario stands out for its honesty, courage, and refusal to offer easy, fairy-tale endings.
Mario Official Trailer
Mario Summary | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Mario |
| Series Info: | Switzerland (2022) |
| Length: | 124 minutes |
| Is Mario BL? | Yes, there's a BL romance. |
| Genre: | Romance, Drama, Boy's love, Sport |
Plot
Leon, a gifted German footballer, joins a professional Swiss team and soon grows close to Mario, a rising star chasing his childhood dream of football glory. Their shared ambition and undeniable chemistry blossom into a tender, secret romance.
However, as rumors swirl and threats mount, Mario faces an agonizing choice: to come out and risk his career or to deny his love and conform. In a society still steeped in toxic masculinity and fear of difference, Mario’s decision leads to heartbreak, self-betrayal, and a haunting sense of loss that lingers beyond the final whistle.
Mario Cast
Charactor
Mario Played by Max Hubacher Mario is a rising football talent, torn between ambition and love.
Max Hubacher
Max Hubacher is one of Switzerland’s brightest young actors, known for his award-winning performance in The Captain (2017). His emotionally complex portrayal of Mario further cements his place in European cinema. Though not openly part of the LGBTQ+ community, Max has shown strong support for queer narratives through his choice of roles.
Leon Played by Aaron Altaras Leon is the confident new arrival whose presence awakens feelings Mario can’t suppress.
Aaron Altaras
Aaron Altaras, a German actor of Croatian-Jewish descent, is recognized for his roles in Unorthodox (2020) and The Invisibles (2017). A strong LGBTQ+ ally, Aaron embraced the role of Leon without hesitation, even becoming an honorary member of Arsenal’s LGBTQ+ supporters club, Gay Gooners.
Director
Marcel Gisler
Marcel Gisler is a Swiss filmmaker known for his sensitive and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes. Over his career, he has focused on complex emotional landscapes, often exploring identity, belonging, and societal pressure. Gisler’s works, including acclaimed films like The Blue Hour and Rosie, have been recognized for their honest, understated storytelling. He is considered one of the prominent voices in queer European cinema, known for blending intimate character studies with broader social commentary.
MOVIE HIGHLIGHT
The bittersweet “secret apartment” scenes where Mario and Leon experience fleeting moments of peace.
The brutal locker room harassment scenes, capturing the suffocating toxicity of sports culture.
Mario’s heartbreaking confession to Leon that he is “not brave enough,” which seals their tragic separation.
The final sequence: Mario alone on the pitch, victorious but hollow, as the camera lingers on his lost, confused expression.
Mario Review
Review
⭐ Story – 4.5 / 5
Mario is devastating because it feels painfully real. The script masterfully captures the emotional and societal forces that crush personal happiness in favor of public image. Mario’s journey—from first love to fearful retreat—is told with brutal authenticity, avoiding melodrama while still delivering gut-punch emotional truths. Its refusal to sugarcoat the realities of being gay in the football world makes it unforgettable.
⭐ Acting – 5.0 / 5
Max Hubacher (Mario) and Aaron Altaras (Leon) give fearless, vulnerable performances. Hubacher embodies Mario’s internalized fear, ambition, and confusion with heartbreaking precision. Altaras brings a calm, open-hearted warmth to Leon, making his eventual heartbreak all the more painful. Their chemistry is natural and deeply affecting, creating a believable and tragic love story.
⭐ Chemistry – 4.5 / 5
From their playful teasing during training to the quiet tenderness of stolen kisses, Mario and Leon’s chemistry feels organic. The intimate scenes, particularly during the “secret apartment” sequences, are charged yet respectful, blending desire with genuine emotional connection. The tension between love and fear electrifies every shared glance.
⭐ Production – 4.0 / 5
The film opts for a grounded, realist style. The muted color palette and naturalistic cinematography enhance the feeling of everyday sadness and suppressed longing. Training sessions and matches are captured with authenticity, thanks to real-life young footballers as extras. Although the football action isn’t the film’s highlight, the emotional intensity off the pitch more than compensates.
⭐ Ending – 4.5 / 5
The ending is painfully honest. There’s no triumphant coming-out, no miraculous happy reunion. Mario chooses his career over love, but the film makes it clear this “victory” is hollow. His final, dazed smile on the field speaks louder than any dialogue: success means nothing when achieved at the cost of your own soul.
Mario Information
Where to Watch
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