El lugar de la otra

I watched this movie on Netflix, expecting a conventional crime drama. I was surprised to discover a sensitive, complex and accurate film. The characters, based on a real case, are designed in a subtle, but powerful way, by the actors and the director. The film is not satisfied with just bringing the story to the viewer, but also manages to formulate an interesting statement on the feminist issue, referring to Chile in the 1950s. The main actress, in the role of Mercedes, plays a complex and multi-layered character, and she does it very successfully, in my opinion, on the one hand, she plays a restrained and introverted role, but at the same time she manages to express the drama that takes place inside her in an impressive way and is highly recommended.

Even the Chilean national poet Gabriela MISTRAL (1889 - 1957), who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945, stood up for her convicted fellow writer.

In 1955, a sensational scandal occurred in Santiago de Chile. In the Hotel Crillon, the writer Maria Carolina Geel (Francisca LEWIN) shot her lover out of the blue. By chance, the court clerk Mercedes Arevalo (Elisa ZULUETA), who works for the investigating judge, comes into contact with this case. It turns out that she receives the keys to the defendant's luxurious apartment. This opens up a new world for the inconspicuous Mercedes, who is not taken entirely seriously by her husband (Pablo MACAYA) and two sons. Surrounded by beautiful things and in heavenly peace, Mercedes begins to rethink her own life and consider new horizons possible.

A quiet and beautiful narrative film from Chile, which is somewhat reminiscent of the Italian blockbuster TOMORROW IS ALSO ANOTHER DAY / C E ANCORA DOMANI by and starring Paola CORTELLESI. EL LUGAR DE LA OTRA by Maite ALBERDI was selected by Chile as a candidate for the OSCAR for Best International Film.

As chilean I felt so proud of this movie. The story is factual and accurate (except for the main character, that is). The author and the book are one of our dear readings, so I felt moved, and prompt to learn more about the background. Little did I know about Maria Carolina Geel and her own deeds at the time, and how Gabriela Mistral gave her a hand to set her free. Same as in the film, I don't believe that any woman close to the culture can feel uninvited somehow, and being dragged to experience a bit of the same sorority . The movie is pleasure to watch, well written and narrated; calm and introspective. Some criticism can be harsh, but quite real and again, accurate. At some point, there was a fight inside of me with the main character, but I couldn't help being absorbed by a recurrent call for compassion that leaves so much space for self expression. Many arguments were constructed subtlety, yet that wasn't the true intention. Not even the main trigger was relevant. The movie moves on a different layer, far from the mainstream. If you are looking for an experience rather than mere entertainment, this might be your option.

! This film is, without a doubt, one of the best movies I've seen in recent years. From the very beginning, it pulls you into its world with a captivating story and a perfectly paced narrative that never feels rushed or slow. The script is incredibly well-written, filled with emotional depth, clever dialogue, and powerful moments that stay with you long after the film ends.

The performances by the cast are absolutely phenomenal. Every actor brings their character to life in a way that feels completely genuine and believable. The lead role, in particular, is played with such intensity and vulnerability that it's impossible not to be moved. The chemistry between the characters adds another layer of richness to the story, making every scene more impactful.

Visually, the movie is stunning. The cinematography is beautiful, with breathtaking shots and artistic camera work that enhances the mood and tone of the film. The use of lighting and color is thoughtful and deliberate, contributing to the emotional atmosphere in a subtle yet powerful way.

This is a different type of movie which all may not like since the plot is far too simple for comfort and the narrative moves languidly with nothing exciting happening. However the cinematography is superb and so is the acting of leading lady Elisa Zulueta as Mercedes. The plot. The setting is Chile in 1955. A well to do lady writer has a disagreement with her lover in the dining room of a prominent hotel. Then in a fit of rage and in front of around dozen other guests and a few hotel staff members she shoots him dead at point blank range. So starts an investigation through questioning of witnesses. The lady secretary to the judge is a calm and quiet person who is busy typing out the questions asked of the witnesses and their answers . She lives with her husband and two sons in a small and modest flat which is cramped and claustrophobic. When she gets a chance to visit to visit the well furnished and stylish home of the accused she gets overwhelmed with the facilities available. For a few days she lives in a peaceful dream world away from her flat.

Director Maite Alberdi's aim is to show how Mercedes gets an opportunity to live a rich lady's life. Her happiness is shown beautifully as she bathes in the bathtub, puts on the costly dresses, wears the makeup, has tea in fine crockery and soaks in the ambience. The use of close ups and super close ups is very effectively done. Despite focusing on mundane activities the visually attractive scenes are a delight to watch. The movie belongs to Elisa Zulueta who emotes well and brings out her feelings so well specially in the closeups. (How the flat of the accused is kept open for use and not locked up as per normal norms needs explanation).