Die Erbinnen

This is an icily paced Paraguayan film, which will probably appeal only to those viewers who have enough patience to allow an intricate drama to slowly unfurl

Chela (Ana Brun) and Chiquita (Margarita Irun) have been in a 30 year long lesbian relationship. But now with Chiquita possibly facing jail time for "fraud" they find their financial situation is precarious and have begun to sell some of their valuable possessions, most of which they have inherited.

When Chiquita is finally remanded to prison, we are witness to Chela's slow transformation from a depressed and introverted woman. She begins to earn some cash by offering her Mercedes for lifts to her neighbors, even though she doesn't have a driver's license.

Eventually, she will meet the younger and vivacious Agny (Ana Ivanova) who will stir up some long buried passion in Chela, as well as loads of anxiety. The changes in Chela are slow and subtle and Brun gives a superb and understated performance here. I was shocked to see that this is her first film, but then I read she has had extensive stage experience.

Overall, loads of realism in this movie that, as mentioned, you'll need a ton of patience to enjoy its subtleties . So if you need lots of action or don't like dialogue driven slow-paced movies then you may be better off passing on this one.

To note: the English subtitles here are quite small.

Even a homosexual relationship between women can be affected by toxic dominance behavior.

Chela (Ana BRUN) and Chiquita (Margarita IRUN) live together in a stately home in Asuncion, which has seen much better days. Chiquita lives so lavishly that one day she ends up in prison for fraudulent debt. For Chela, a time now begins in which she must take responsibility for herself. In her old Mercedes, she literally drives into a new life, in which the dashing and much younger Angy (Ana IVANOVA) also plays a certain role.

A middle-aged woman overcomes her fears, learns to drive a car again and is thus able to fight for a broader perspective on life. With this simple but intensely observed film, director Marcelo MARTINESSI achieved something very special. For the first time in the history of the Berlinale, a film from Paraguay made it into the competition in 2018. Paraguayan actress Ana BRUN was awarded a Silver Bear for her role as Chela, who is fighting her way out of depression.

Martinessi presents us with a touching, intimate and realistic film. There is no melodarama, exaggeration ... The complexity is subjective and completely engaging. Dependence, empowerment, prejudice and sexual desire are handled elegantly. In addition, we have seen an incredible portrait of a traditional decadent elite present not only in Paraguay but in many rural societies of Latin America. A movie that must be watched.

All the actresses in the film were absolutely stunning. The performances were layered, full of fine, subtle emotional expressions, transferring the character states very well. On the other hand, story was dragged and boring to death, without much happening. Although the characters were played well, their stories were quite uninteresting and tiresome. I'm a 25 year old male, so maybe that's a big factor and there's a possibility that I just couldn't connect with the characters and their stories.

What even is a Paraguay? No idea, never been there, but this is terrific. Ana Brun hits the ball out of the park, showing big life stresses and changes through just the subtlest of inflections.

Never heard of the director either. He delivers a sophisticated, morally perplexing and topical movie. I'll sign up for anything else he makes.

Thanks to Palace for bringing this one to Australia.