Jamie passion and passionfruit!

An almost disconcerting film, of strong emotions and very good performances, this second work from Lucia Puenzo proves her talent at film making and her willingness to go for subjects that would normally put others off.  After the hermaphroditism of XXY, her latest tackles a lesbian love affair between a daughter of a judge and the Paraguayan maid who lives in the same house.  Not only that but crimes and hidden secrets emerge as Lala, the rich girl, gets to swim in the underworld and magic reality of rural Paraguay that Ailín comes from.  There are many strong points in the film.  Inés Efron is yet again luminous as the ethereal and yet gutsy Lala – she has a face that cameras love, and a body that she uses so effectively.  Emme or Mariela Vitale is a singer whose debut acting performance as the maid is also excellent and surprising and she manages to keep pace with Efrón all the way.  Then there is soap actor Arnaldo André almost parodying himself as La Guayi’s dad.  He too does a good job.  The film has a good script, very Latin American in its scenes and story, written by Puenzo from her own novel, suitable photography and appropriate music.  While watching I felt that there was a lot to commend about the movie and yet it also left a slightly sad and bitter taste. It is, after all, not a very happy story, even if the ending is sufficiently open to allow us to hope that the protagonists do get their dream come true.  Watch Puenzo – one day, she will produce the film that ticks all boxes.

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