Reconnecting with the Past, While Preparing for the Unknown Future – BRAZILIAN PRESS // O maior jornal brasileiro fora do Brasil
By Roger Costa
QUEENS
Awarded in Berlin and Locarno as Best Film, director Klaudia Reynicke’s third directorial effort is a sensitive, wondrously observed coming of age story set during the economical crisis of early 90’s Peru.
The opening sequence reveals through a TV announcement how tragic things will get overnight: all prices will rise absurdly, bread, milk, oil- all going up to 300%, affecting all citizens.
Amidst this crisis, protests, curfews and military intervention, a mother prepares to migrate to the US bringing along her two young daughters, the curious, perceptive pre-teen Lucia and the slightly rebellious and impulsive 15-year-old Aurora.
Before that happens, their absent father must sign the legal documents allowing them to do so. That’s when an opportunity to recconect (or perhaps to truly connect for the very first time) puts them together on a trip to the beach, becoming the heart and soul of the narrative as father and daughters struggle (and have fun while in the process) to understand each other. While the father does the best to fulfill his duties and make it a memorable last weekend together, the sisters are also struggling to align their priorities. They are still trying to process the fact they will have to leave everything and everyone behind.
The whole experience is delicately seen through Lucia’s perspective, giving the film the sense of innocence and perpetual exploration. These actors are wonderful and charismatic and they have perfect chemistry, delivering finely composed, deeply humane performances.
As the camera dances around the trio of main characters, exploring the mysteries of the father’s wherabouts and activities, the loss of innocence of Lucia, and Aurora’s inevitable emotional and hormonal breakdown, the film brilliantly and accurately tags along with the political turmoils affecting everyone, which brings anxiety and suspense to the sort of idyllic, spontaneously ritualistic farewell conceived through Lucia’s realization.
Switzerland’s Official entry for next year’s Oscars, this is a heart-moving, surprisingly fresh and authentic, sensitive drama.
(Outsider Pictures. 11/29. Cinema Village NYC)
