If you enjoy a slow drama then this movie will have you engrossed; I thoroughly enjoyed this film. (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy The film will feature on the programme of the European Film Festival which runs from November 12 to 22, 2020)
Missing pieces of the same puzzle...
The European Film Festival, like many other festivals around the world, has gone virtual in light of the Corona Virus pandemic that has swept across the globe. Many artists have been forced to forge new ways of reaching their audiences and perhaps this is the future but whatever the course, filmmakers and artists will endeavour to entertain and capture dramatic life in films. Telling stories that move us and portraying human emotions vehemently will always be our core drive as we strive to capture our context on camera.
One such film at this year's European Film Festival is One Careful Owner/El Inconveniente, produced by Olmo Figueredo and directed by Bernabe Rico.
This Spanish screenplay is penned by Juan Carlos Rubio and Bernabe Rico and delicately threads the lives of two women at different stages of their lives but both yearning to live. Sara, the younger of the two, finds herself in the position to purchase her dream home, an apartment with a great view and priced cheaply. There is only one flaw, she has to house the current owner, 80 year-old Lola, until she dies. This should be plausible as Sara assumes that death will find Lola expediently; however, fate has woven a different path.
The women forget a peculiar relationship that sees them through life's toughest encounters. Sara has to deal with death, the loss of her lover and illness. Lola is trying to tie up loose ends before she dies, seeking amends from a scorned ex as she has had three heart attacks and what's to rectify her past. Through it all these women support and encourage each other, allowing the fear and devastation to subside. I enjoyed the blossoming of this relationship which is mirrored by the garden growing on the balcony of this apartment, which transformed from a weed-growing plot to a place of colour and beauty represented in the flowers.
I found the score for this movie most appropriate as it begins with notorious piano music in the beginning, flamenco music for poignant moments and guitar solos that tug at the heart strings. The repeated references to picture frames are a constant reminder of these women trying to leave a memorable mark in the world and a desire not to be forgotten. I appreciated the final image of the two breaking down walls literally and figuratively to declare their aspirations to LIVE!
This Spanish Drama unwraps the loneliness felt by these characters and the impact that friendship can have on a healing individual. The cast, Juana Acosta and Kiti Manver, are successful in their depiction of this relationship, the harsh-felt loneliness and hope at the end. The support roles are occupied by Carlos Areces and Jose Sacristan. If you enjoy a slow drama then this movie will have you engrossed; I thoroughly enjoyed this film.
One Careful Owner/El Inconveniente can be seen from November 12 to 22, 2020, on the European Film Festival’s website. Click on the advert to the right of this article or visit https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/ - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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