While his parents are away for the summer, 16-year-old Dani invites his best friend, the irrepressible Nico, to stay for the holidays. Jealously rears its head when Nico appears more interested in the local girls than in Dani. Hot summer nights and too many joints lead to experimentation which neither boy can talk about, a situation complicated by the appearance of the older and openly gay Julián, a published writer and old friend of Dani’s father.
Although films about adolescents stumbling urgently toward sexual self-identity are plentiful, most are put to shame by the delicacy, poignancy, and honesty of Nico and Dani.
– Jay Carr,
Boston Globe,
1 Jun 2001
fresh:
Manages to be both joyful and unnerving in its unflinching portrayal of emerging sexuality.
– Robert K. Elder,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Jun 2001
fresh:
Could be useful to a confused teenager, suggesting that we all have to choose our own paths in life.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
15 Jun 2001
rotten:
For a movie that has been praised for its sensitive realism, Nico and Dani takes some large liberties.
– Liam Lacey,
Globe and Mail,
29 Jun 2001
fresh:
Filmmaker Gay nimbly navigates the raging waters of burgeoning sexuality.