Els encantats

Els ecantats aka the enchanted in murrica! When irene separates from her man, she goes to her family's house up in the mountains. The first half is very slow moving. She gets a few phone calls. She has a complicated relationship with her mother (don't we all!) and her ex. She's surprised that the ex has moved on with someone new already. She herself, has met a new guy, but doesn't want to move too fast too soon. Things pick up a bit in the second half. Beautiful scenery of the house up in the mountains. Irene gets together with some friends. But she's still feeling sorry for herself for being all alone when guill has the daughter. It's okay. Doesn't really go anywhere, but it's clearly what this newly single mom feels when the ex has the kids. Directed by elena trapé. She has won a bunch of film fest awards..

This movie suffers from a writer and directors' passion to present a triumphalist feminist message at the expense of a compelling story. The protagonist does not change at all from go to woe. However, this is not portrayed as a failure rather as a virtue and, therefore, we are left to believe that she has no flaw that needs to be overcome. Moreover, that she has a flaw is the only way to make sense of the character's struggle which drives the drama.

Ultimately, the story is incoherent because on the one hand we are asked to believe that the character really is suffering as a result of her choice, but on the other hand that her choice is not indicative of a flaw and is morally unquestionable making the suffering irrational.

I give it 4 because Costa gives a compelling performance - she's a fine actress.