IMDb RATING
6.3/10
7.2K
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Chile, 1955. The case of María Carolina Geel, a popular writer who murders her lover, captivates Mercedes, a shy secretary working for the judge assigned to defend the accused.Chile, 1955. The case of María Carolina Geel, a popular writer who murders her lover, captivates Mercedes, a shy secretary working for the judge assigned to defend the accused.Chile, 1955. The case of María Carolina Geel, a popular writer who murders her lover, captivates Mercedes, a shy secretary working for the judge assigned to defend the accused.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 6 nominations total
Nicolás Zárate
- Arnés
- (as Nicolás Zarate)
Featured reviews
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).
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).
Its nice seeing a moviw from my country. This movie is a powerful exploration of identity, desire, and the roles society imposes. Through the story of two women whose lives intertwine, the narrative blurs the boundaries between self and other, between what is real and what is projected. It examines how longing, perception, and external expectations shape who we believe we are. With subtlety and emotional depth, the work invites us to reflect on the masks we wear and what it truly means to inhabit someone else's place-even if just for a moment. If you're interested in drama and crime movies you should watch this one.
A very beautiful movie about the burdens and exhaustions of women, the woman searching for herself and finding it in peace and privacy.
When a woman finds a place for herself to elevate herself and live her own time, it becomes a refuge, as she said, "I am tired of the noise. I want some peace." Stories always present some kind of female role that focuses on motherhood or maturity. You have not found a film like this about the desire for peace and tranquility and the restoration of the soul. I loved it and wanted it very much.
A very wonderful and very calm movie that touched me deeply and I believe that the story has roots or is an adaptation of a previous story.
A wonderful, wonderful, very nice movie.
When a woman finds a place for herself to elevate herself and live her own time, it becomes a refuge, as she said, "I am tired of the noise. I want some peace." Stories always present some kind of female role that focuses on motherhood or maturity. You have not found a film like this about the desire for peace and tranquility and the restoration of the soul. I loved it and wanted it very much.
A very wonderful and very calm movie that touched me deeply and I believe that the story has roots or is an adaptation of a previous story.
A wonderful, wonderful, very nice movie.
I think this is my favorite Netflix watch this month. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The pace perfectly matches the main character's personality. While watching it, I believe I found the peace the main character, Mercedes, seeks. The film is subtly profound.
The void and regret she feels are incredibly relatable qualities and I found myself totally immersed in the story and in her personal journey. I enjoyed the timepieces including the furniture and the fashion of the time so beautifully displayed. I look forward to reading more about the real people behind the headlines and will search for more Chilean films.
The void and regret she feels are incredibly relatable qualities and I found myself totally immersed in the story and in her personal journey. I enjoyed the timepieces including the furniture and the fashion of the time so beautifully displayed. I look forward to reading more about the real people behind the headlines and will search for more Chilean films.
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.
Did you know
- TriviaOfficial submission of Chile for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 97th Academy Awards in 2025.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Expertas en nada: RETORNO (2023)
- SoundtracksEl Merecumbe
Written by Francisco Galán Blanco
Performed by Orquesta Huambaly
Courtesy of Universal Music Chile S.A.
(P) 1957 EMI Odeón Chilena S.A.
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- El lugar de la otra
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
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