As I watched Reinas, I felt like I was peeking into someone’s personal family album. The story of Elena, her daughters, and their estranged father unfolded with such raw authenticity that it brought tears to my eyes and laughter to my lips.
Shortly after our initial encounter with him, the Peruvian taxi driver Carlos (Gonzalo Molina), who seems to have a tendency to exaggerate, claims he’s an actor, works at an export company, does “security work,” has hunted crocodiles in the jungle, and survived a car bombing at a police station. However, one thing this storyteller is not is a good father, and his determination to rectify that before it’s too late serves as the central theme in director Klaudia Reynicke’s film, Reinas.
In the midst of Lima’s turbulent 1992 landscape, marked by hyperinflation, civil unrest, and political violence fueled by terrorism, the director masterfully weaves a heartfelt narrative focused on family dynamics. For me, Elena’s struggle to balance Carlos’ return into her daughters’ lives against their promising American future becomes the primary focus, with the harsh realities of the time subtly lingering in the background like an unspoken concern. Reinas, being Reynicke’s third film, is a skillfully crafted drama that shows remarkable empathy towards its carefully developed characters.
In Reinas, Dad Is a Secret Agent, a Taxi Driver, and a Liar
In the story “Reinas, “, it might seem logical to portray Carlos as the antagonist given the critical role he plays in Elena’s and her daughters’ lives. However, writer Reynicke prefers not to stereotype Carlos as a villain. Instead, as portrayed by Molina with a mix of kindness and mystery, Carlos appears to have been estranged from his daughters for years. This is evident in the melancholy and embarrassment he conceals beneath his friendly demeanor. Yet, despite his puppy-dog charm, Carlos remains untrustworthy, and Elena’s family chooses to keep their distance from him.
Despite the surprise, I find myself invited to Aurora’s 18th birthday party. True to form, I show up late with a handful of excuses. It isn’t until later that we learn Elena needs Carlos’ signature on travel documents for the girls to depart from Peru and travel to America. As the departure date looms closer, his repeated promises to sign these documents remain unfulfilled. However, Reynicke intends something more subtle and humanistic than a simple portrayal of a negligent father and ex-husband.
It’s not surprising that she has such a deep understanding of the mixed emotions Aurora and Lucia feel as they prepare to leave for America, given that Reynicke was born in Peru and left the country at age 10 during a long, difficult period in her homeland. Carlos, who calls his daughters “my queens,” is sincere and honest in wanting to spend whatever time remains with them. He takes them to the beach where he teaches them boogie boarding, buys them new swimsuits at a roadside stand using an old tire as payment, and they start calling him “dad.” Despite Elena’s concerns about Carlos not fulfilling his promise to sign the travel papers, Molina skillfully makes us hopeful for him.
It’s a Drama About The Fragile Nature of Family
As I sat in the cinema, Reynicke and Diego Vega’s script unfolded a poignant tale that vividly portrayed the intricate web of emotions within many families. The characters, Elena and Carlos, seemed to exist in worlds of contrasting opulence; Elena inhabiting a luxurious home while Carlos claimed a penthouse-like apartment. Yet, their shared need for each other’s signatures underscored an underlying dependence that transcended their personal spaces.
Under Reynicke’s skillful guidance, these conflicts unfold with an understated authenticity that mirrors everyday life. For the most part, the country’s political chaos subtly seeps in around the edges – as when Carlos returns home late past the government-imposed curfew and later brings a large bag of sugar to the breakfast table, a luxury item that has become scarce due to Peru’s struggling economy. The source of the sugar remains unexplained.
In this setting, all performances strive to steer clear of melodrama and excessive theatrics, such as Lindo’s portrayal of Elena as a firm and rational character that captures our sympathy. As for Vega and Gjurinovic, their on-screen bond as sisters exudes warmth and authenticity, with moments like arguing over who gets to be near the fan during hot days, and sharing knowing glances at Carlos’ far-fetched stories.
Behind the scenes efforts in this seemingly straightforward project underscore the authenticity of the narrative. The cinematography by DP Diego Romero Suarez Llanos, with its vibrant, clear shots, and Susana Torres’ production design, filled with worn textures, imply that regardless of wealth, everyone is subject to the extent of Peru’s decline.
Will Reinas Be Oscar-Nominated?
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for “Reinas,” Switzerland’s entry for the 2025 Best International Feature Film Academy Award. This film embodies drama in its most profoundly human form, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of a family grappling with both personal and external strife.
On November 29, the film “Reinas,” produced by Outsider Pictures, will debut in both New York and Los Angeles. For additional details and screening times, click here.
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2024-11-21 02:34