“Calle Malaga” review: A Warm Heart, But Lacking Depth
“Calle malaga,” directed by Nabil Ayouch, presents a visually appealing and gently optimistic story. Though, despite a compelling lead performance, the film ultimately feels pleasant but lacks the narrative complexity to truly resonate. It’s a film that wants to move you, but struggles to fully connect.
A Story of Resilience, Gently Told
The film centers on Maria (Lola Dueñas), an elderly woman facing eviction from her beloved home in Malaga. The narrative initially frames this as a tragedy, quickly shifting towards a story of community and unexpected romance as Maria navigates a retirement center and ultimately returns to squat in her former residence. She cleverly finds ways to generate income, including hosting football viewing parties with a young neighbor.
This resourcefulness leads to a charming subplot involving Abslam (Ahmed Boulane), a handsome antiques dealer, with whom Maria develops a tender connection.This relationship is arguably the film’s strongest element, benefiting from the palpable chemistry between Dueñas and Boulane.
Strengths & Weaknesses: A Mixed Bag
While visually striking – thanks to Virginie Surdej‘s sun-drenched cinematography – and accompanied by a sentimental score from Freya Arde, “Calle Malaga” suffers from several key weaknesses:
* Thinly Drawn Supporting Characters: Characters like Maria’s daughter, Clara, are reduced to archetypes. Clara’s motivations for selling the apartment – divorce, financial hardship, providing for her children – are presented but never explored with sufficient nuance.
* Underdeveloped Relationships: Maria’s best friend,Josefena,a nun who has taken a vow of silence,feels more like a plot device than a fully realized character. Their interactions, while occasionally humorous, lack genuine emotional weight.
* lack of Specificity: Despite being set in a diverse neighborhood in Malaga, the film fails to deeply explore the cultural dynamics at play. The story feels surprisingly global, losing the unique flavor promised by its setting. Without Lola Dueñas’s captivating performance, the film risks feeling entirely generic.
* Unsatisfying Resolution: The abrupt ending, leaving Maria and Clara’s relationship unresolved, feels jarringly sour given the film’s otherwise gentle tone.
performance & technical Aspects
Lola Dueñas delivers a truly captivating performance as Maria. She embodies the character’s resilience, vulnerability, and quiet dignity with remarkable skill. The cinematography is undeniably beautiful, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, the overly sentimental score occasionally feels manipulative, underlining emotions that the performances already convey effectively.
A Missed Chance for Deeper Exploration
“Calle Malaga” touches upon crucial themes of aging, displacement, and community. Though, it ultimately skims the surface, opting for sentimentality over significant exploration. The film presents a likable story, but one that lacks the depth and nuance needed to truly captivate and linger in the mind.
grade: C+
Currently seeking U.S. distribution.
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