Two childhood friends meet after years apart. The film begins with Thomas arriving from Canada to see Julian. They spend a few unforgettable days together, laughing, reminiscing, and weeping over the heavy toll of terminal cancer. A buddy movie at its heart, Truman is an elegy (though not always a somber one) to friendship, love, and the courage one must summon to accept death as a part of life. The camera observes Julian settling his affairs, preparing for the end, and also his good friend Thomas watching over him and accompanying him on his final journey. But there is one other character: Truman, Julian’s dog. The two friends’ priority is to find Truman new foster parents. This film is the latest from renowned Spanish director Cesc Gay and stars Argentinian actor Ricardo Darin and Javier Camara, who many will recognize from Talk to Her by Pedro Almodovar. The film's screening at BIFF follows showings at the San Sebastian and Toronto Film Festivals, and is a must-see. (RHEE Soue-won)