Mario (2018)

👉Full movie at end of the post

Mario (2018) is a Swiss drama directed by Marcel Gisler that explores the challenges of being gay in the world of professional football. The film focuses on Mario Lüthi, a talented young footballer playing for a top Swiss club, who is on the verge of being promoted to the first team. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Leon, a new player from Germany, and the two begin a romantic relationship.

At first, Mario and Leon try to keep their feelings private. They become roommates and their bond grows deeper, both emotionally and physically. However, in the highly masculine and conservative world of professional football, any hint of homosexuality is seen as a threat to a player’s reputation and career. Mario becomes increasingly torn between his love for Leon and his dream of making it to the top league.

Rumors start to spread about their relationship, forcing the couple to hide and even deny their connection. The pressure mounts from teammates, coaches, agents, and Mario's family. Mario’s agent advises him to distance himself from Leon for the sake of his career, highlighting the intense discrimination and homophobia that still exists in the sport.

As a result, their relationship begins to deteriorate. Leon wants to live openly and honestly, while Mario chooses to stay closeted in order to protect his future as a professional footballer. The emotional toll is heavy for both of them, leading to heartbreak and the realization that love and ambition may not be able to coexist in the world they live in.

In the end, Mario delivers a powerful and emotional message about identity, fear, and sacrifice. It’s a story of love caught in the crossfire of social expectations and personal dreams. The film doesn’t offer easy answers but instead portrays the difficult reality many LGBTQ+ athletes still face, making it a moving and thought-provoking story about the cost of silence.