What is the age gap between Nick and Noah in My Fault? Explained

The 2023 Spanish film My Fault, directed by Domingo González, is an adaptation of Mercedes Ron’s novel Culpa Mía, a part of the Culpables Trilogy. The movie stars Nicole Wallace as Noah and Gabriel Guevara as Nick, portraying stepsiblings involved in a forbidden relationship.

One of the key aspects of the film is the age gap between the two lead characters. In the story, Nick is 22, while Noah is 17, marking a five-year difference. Set in California, where the age of consent is 18, the film uses the characters’ age difference as a point of conflict in their relationship.

While this gap is significant to the story, the movie also examines family dynamics and personal challenges. These elements have led to conversations among viewers about the adaptation of the novel’s themes.

The film follows the novel's core story while presenting Nick and Noah's interactions. Below, we explore how the film addresses the narrative, characters, and the significance of the age gap.

The age gap in My Fault and its role in the story

The five-year difference in age between Nick and Noah is a crucial factor in My Fault, influencing much of the tension and interaction between the characters.

At 22, Nick is depicted as a person who has already moved into adulthood, possessing a level of independence and life experience that shapes his choices and behavior.

At the same time, Noah, now 17, is still experiencing her adolescence, dealing with the disruption of relocating to a new house and adjusting to a blended family. This variation in life stages leads to a clear disparity in their viewpoints, adding to the intricacy of their relationship.

Located in Madrid, where the legal age of consent is 16, the age difference remains significant within the context of their relationship. While their connection does not breach legal boundaries, it challenges societal norms and family expectations, adding complexity to their dynamic.

This introduces an additional element of external pressure to their interactions, as they have to manage not just their own feelings but also the possible consequences of societal expectations and legal limits.

The age difference also highlights themes of maturity, power dynamics, and emotional growth. Nick’s experience and confidence often contrast with Noah’s vulnerability and evolving sense of self, emphasizing the challenges of their connection.

The age gap is not merely a backdrop but an active force in the story, shaping their interactions and the decisions they make as they navigate the blurred lines between familial expectations and personal desires.

Themes explored in My Fault

My Fault examines multiple themes that underpin the story and influence the characters' actions. The film follows the complexities of family relationships, focusing on how individuals adapt to changes such as blended families and new environments.

My Fault explores the challenges of navigating societal expectations and the consequences of defying norms, particularly in the context of a forbidden relationship between stepsiblings.

Another central theme is personal growth, as the characters face decisions that test their values and boundaries. My Fault presents how relationships can shape and challenge individuals, especially in unconventional circumstances.

It also touches on broader questions about morality and the consequences of actions taken outside societal and legal frameworks.

The narrative uses the dynamic between Nick and Noah to examine power imbalances, independence, and the effects of external pressures on personal connections.

These themes collectively provide a foundation for the story, making it more than a simple romance by highlighting the impact of family, society, and individual choices on relationships.

Also read: My Fault soundtrack: A definitive guide to every soundtrack in the movie

Cast and plot of My Fault

My Fault follows Noah as she moves into her new stepfather’s home, leaving behind her previous life. There, she meets Nick, her stepbrother, whose actions and behavior initially cause tension. As they adjust to their new family situation, their relationship evolves in ways that affect their lives.

The official logline for the film reads:

"Noah must leave her town, boyfriend and friends to move into her mom's new husband's mansion. There, she meets her new stepbrother Nick and their personalities clash from the very beginning. But the attraction they feel will lead them to live a forbidden relationship, where their rebellious and tormented tempers will turn their worlds upside down, making them fall madly in love."

Nicole Wallace plays Noah, while Gabriel Guevara takes on the role of Nick. The film is directed by Domingo González and focuses on the interactions between the characters and the events that unfold within their family.

My Fault was released on June 8, 2023, and became widely discussed for its adaptation of Mercedes Ron’s novel.

Following the success of My Fault, the sequel Your Fault was released on December 15, 2024. This second installment continues the story of Nick and Noah, exploring the consequences of their relationship and the challenges they face as their bond grows deeper.

Both films highlight the ongoing complexities of their connection while staying true to the original story's themes.

The Spanish film My Fault explores the interactions between Nick and Noah and the situations arising from their family dynamic. The age gap between the two characters is an important aspect of the story.

The film presents this relationship within the broader context of family and societal expectations.

The performances of Nicole Wallace and Gabriel Guevara bring the story to life and highlight its key elements. The adaptation of Mercedes Ron’s novel continues to engage viewers with its focus on relationships and family structures.

Edited by Prem Deshpande