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By Roger Costa
THE OTHER STORY
An emergency call brings an estranged father back home in Jerusalem, as an entire family gathers forces to sabotage the premature wedding of a rebellious young woman and her problematic famous partner; but his arrival will stir up unsolved matters from the past, and despite his long absence and lack of trust, he will become the most important key in a net of multiple crisis, as everyone decides to rely on him. He’s joined by his ex-wife and his psychiatrist father, in a private investigation to find the boyfriend’s hidden agenda and dark secrets, in order to expose them and turn the bride against him. Overwhelmed with a morbid case of separation and child custody, his father drags him into the situation, making him the doctor for the case, which involves an uneasy woman drastically taken by her religious-cult, putting in danger her marriage and her son’s life. A simple task of rescuing his daughter from the hands of a possible criminal, ignites a risky investigation in a series of family issues falling on top of him, as if he was the redeemer. Writer-Director Avi Nesher’s new film is a complex study of character with brilliant doses of dark, insightful humor addressing faith, family bond, traditions and compassion. Through everyone’s search of spirituality, in many forms of denomination, Nesher conceives an accurate, intriguing portrait of modern families and the consequences of reckless freedom. He develops a fascinating aesthetic, merging both dramas, and exposing his characters’ fears and worrying imagination, while pointing to the issues related to the moral advances of our society and the lack of responsibility. It’s also a thoughtful and courageous drama about behavior transformation, reconciliation and redemption, masterly shot and superbly performed. (Strand Releasing. 6/28. Quad Cinemas.)
THE CHAMBERMAID
Actress turned director Lila Avilés is an emerging female voice in Mexican cinema. Winner of the New Director Award at multiple festivals such as Portland, Marrakech, San Francisco and Havana, she’s certainly one filmmaker to watch. Following the routine of a hotel worker and her colleagues, Avilés paints an enigmatic and profound canvas of Mexico’s social and economical struggles, represented through the protagonist Eve. Her particular universe is every piece of her work, her dedication, integrity and temptations. As she goes on with her duties, she crosses path with strangers, whom constantly approaches her for help: a flirtatious lesbian co-worker, a mother guest and her infant, and a supervisor from other floor. Avilés brilliantly captures her anxiety and hopelessness, as she delves into loneliness and melancholy, longing for her baby child; she’s also determined to become promoted and move to a higher level floor, anxiously waiting for the manager’s call. The political negligence is represented in the GED classes taken by Eve and her colleagues, when suddenly the system shuts it down, interrupting their dreams of a better education. Nominated for the Actress Prize at the Ariel Awards, Gabriela Cartol gives a breakthrough performance in the title role, expressing her inner, saddened emotions, as well as the hormonal turbulence, with incredibly touching techniques. Structured with the influences of Neo-realism, it’s a lyrical, honest and timely portrait of a working woman’s challenges and expectations. (Kino Lorber. 6/26. Film Forum.)
MINE 9
An impressive, highly emotional and asphyxiating drama about the adventurous and extremely dangerous lives of a group of miners engaged in their latest task. Award-winning Director Eddie Mensore’s accomplished sophomore project is a low-budget film that teaches a lot to the big studios. Its smart techniques on the horrifying depiction of suffering into the mines is done superbly and very efficient. The actors play a major key to this triumphant result, as they embody the desperation, uncertainty and strong faith of those working on dangerous zones. It opens with the group leaving the mines after an accident and their preparations to return there, despite family concerns and lethal risks. After it introduces the main characters, their personal issues with family members, their community strength, the film delves into the heated dark rocks, creating a claustrophobic experience, cautiously designed and astonishingly shot. Addressing the courageous determination of those workers, their issues and fatalities, Mensore created a gripping, fast-paced thriller with all the great cinematic resources. Bravo! (EmphatiCinema/Levey Distribution. 6/28. Quad Cinemas.)
THREE PEAKS
Seen through three different perspectives, this Locarno winning drama directed by Jan Zabeil is an intense look at the consequences of family separation and jealousy. A young mother, her new lover and her son arrive at a completely remote cabin in the icy mountains for a quick vacation. The conflicts among them are out-of-control as the son cannot accept the changes and reacts mysteriously aggressive. They put up efforts to find chemistry and harmony, while each will analyse their reality: a mother struggling to rebuild her life; an unknown man trying to connect with an unhappy child; and the son moved by his premature, reckless instincts of abandon. Director Zabeil precisely observes their reactions with silent shots, capturing lyrical moments of reflection, while paving the way for unexpected twists. Beautifully shot by Axel Schneppat, with enhanced views of the icy landscape in grey tones, and delivering fine performances by Oscar-nominee Bérénice Bejo and German star Alexander Fehling, it’s an accurate and captivating work. (Greenwich Entertainment. 6/28. IFC Center.)
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