By Roger Costa
THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO
Set in the Chilean desert during the 1980’s HIV epidemic, this wondrously intriguing, magical realistic dramedy is an outstanding surprise, an inventive modern fable that feels like an exquisite homage to the world of Almodovar and Queer bravery. Seen through the perspective of 11-year-old Lidia, a girl coming of age and exploring her identity, it brings a fabulously funny and endearing cast of trans women, as they run a private entertainment club on the margins of a mining town. Adventurous and poetical at equal measures, efficiently addressing intolerance and prejudice, director Diego Cespedes crafts a delightful tale about family and identity. Plus, it is fresh and utterly original.
(Screens October 17 and 18).
YOUNG MOTHERS
The masters of contemporary neo-realism, the Dardenne Brothers returns with another humanistic tale about the hurdles of the working class and minorities in Belgium. Winner of the Best Screenplay Award at this year’s Cannes, where it also took the Ecumenical Jury Award, this poignant and heartbreaking drama follows the challenges of five teen girls as they navigate pregnancy, premature motherhood and temptation while living in a shelter. Filled with emotional tension, and the directors’ usual suspense and moral dilemmas, this is among their most compelling and efficient portraits of modern instability and generational conflicts. Five stars!
(Screens October 17 and 18).
FRANZ
Polish auteur Agnieszka Holland’s transcendental and provocative exploration on the celebrated father of Gothic, novelist Franz Kafka, is a masterclass in narrative and character study. A visually entrancing experience, channeling Kafka’s childhood, his early initiations on writing and identifying inspiration, the traumatic relationship with his father, his secretive bohemian practices and an infamous engagement, Holland conceives an accurate historical project told through modern, magical realistic lenses. Enhanced by its gloriously stylish, sometimes fantastical, sometimes Kafkaesque imagery and the wonderful, captivating lead performance by Idan Weiss, the result is an ambitious, mind-bending immersion into the mind of the infamous master of disorienting storytelling.
(Screens October 18 and 19).
THE STRANGER
Sophisticated, sensual and unexpected as only French prolific filmmaker Francois Ozon could make, this Albert Camus’ adaptation is a lush and gripping look at desire and existentialism. Contemplative and enhanced by its gorgeous cinematography, impeccable set designs and perfect costumes, it brings a nuanced, vulnerable and mysteriously raged performance by Benjamin Voisin, an office man returning to his roots in Algiers for his mother’s funeral. The film opens with him explaining the reasons he ended up in jail, including his affair to a local woman, his connection to a mobster and a tragic confrontation on the beach, while investigating his motives and aspirations, for business, for love and for the uncertain future. Exuding beauty and sensuality, Ozon scores another masterpiece about love and unrequited desire.
(Screens October 17 and 19).
(The 2025 Chicago International Film Festival runs October 15-26 at various venues in Chicago, featuring Premieres, Talks, and Special Events. Go to https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/ for details and
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