Die Erbinnen

That kind of movie that sounds like reality. Great characters and a touch of sensitivity and beauty.

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.

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.

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.

Getting poor after being rich is totally different from born poor. We have to find our own path and fight our own demons no matter the time. Even if its the last hour of our life. The journey is worth than the silent suffering. Most of the movie was only involving women which is nice to see.