'Culpa Tuya' movie review: An irresistible guilty pleasure

Despite its label as a young adult romantic drama, the Culpa series seems to grapple with genre identity.

In sequels to ‘happily ever after’ romantic films, the narrative often tests the strength of the lead couple’s bond by introducing obstacles—be it physical distance or a potential rival sparking jealousy. Culpa Tuya (Your Fault), the follow-up to Culpa Mia (My Fault), initially appears to rise above these clichés by adding layers of conflict to its romantic drama. However, it soon succumbs to underdeveloped writing and a lacklustre narrative.

Picking up right where the first film ends, Culpa Tuya pushes Nick and Noah deeper into infatuation, while their parents, William and Rafaella, attempt to drive a wedge between the step-siblings.

Enter Sofia—a seductive and ‘more suitable’ match for Nick—and the tension escalates as Noah struggles with the emotional toll of his long-distance relationship. But the drama doesn’t stop here: lingering personal trauma and vengeful figures from their past further strain the couple’s bond.

Despite its label as a young adult romantic drama, the Culpa series seems to grapple with genre identity. Where Culpa Mia leaned into erotic territory, this sequel’s intimate scenes feel less organic, much like Noah’s tenuous relationship with her university counsellor, Michael.

The thriller elements, teased in the first film through Noah’s menacing father, expand in the sequel with the arrival of Nick’s obsessive ex-girlfriend and estranged biological mother. Yet, the film never fully commits to any of these genres, opting instead to flirt with each one without anchoring itself in any.

With interesting subplots and conflicts being created from all ends, Culpa Tuya errs a little too much on the side of caution. At the end, it still only manages to do what all other romantic dramas do, which is throw a spanner into a smooth-sailing relationship. The lead pair keeps on doubting each other while fighting their own demons, but not once do they try to understand their respective trauma.

The film still manages to shine through from time to time. A surprising revelation and an unresolved ending set the stage for a potentially more refined and gripping third installment, expected in 2025. However, rekindling the chemistry between the leads is essential, as their dynamic feels notably less intense here than in the first film. Despite its flaws, Culpa Tuya remains an irresistible guilty pleasure. Sometimes, the fun of watching a film also comprises finding fault with it—and that’s perfectly all right.