The first film I saw by Chilean director Pablo Larraín was Tony Manero, starring the actor Antonio Castro, a recurrent in later films. I was captivated by his style and his next film, Post Morten, confirmed me that he was a Latin American director to watch. Then, he was in charge of the series Prófugos for HBO and he had international success with the film "No". The Club, Neruda and finally directing Natalie Portman in the film about Jackie Kennedy. I was looking forward to seeing the latest work. Last week I did it and unfortunately, I didn't think it was as good...
Some of the film's specialized critics have published good reviews of the film. A director who maintained a streak of excellent productions had Gael García Bernal under his command again, this time as a supporting actor, but whose name is the commercial hook of the film. But surprisingly, I found the film disappointing.
Ema's story
Ema is a dancer in Gaston's dance group, her husband. They had adopted a grown-up boy named Polo. But some facts, which are shown to us as the film progresses, forced them to return the boy to the adoption program. He has been assigned to another couple. Returning the child will make them fight and blame each other. Especially Ema. So the protagonist decides to separate from Gaston, both personally and professionally. She goes off with her dancing friends to work on reggaeton choreography and organises a plan to get Polo back. Regardless of the emotional damage she may cause to others.
The main problem I see with Ema is the total loss of coherence. Ema's plan and the final resolution of the story, with the happy ending scene is meaningless. I can't tell you the ending, nor the great plan of Ema. You have to see her and draw your own conclusions.
It's very good that a male director makes a film with a feminist character. Tired of being singled out by society and blamed by everyone (even the Polo teachers). Always following the orders of the couple, who direct her in the dance. The character, decides to take charge of her life and do what she has always wanted to do. Recovering the child he returned, having everything against him. And even dance what before seemed to him a garbage of music. The discussion about reggaeton between Gaston and Ema's friends is one of the best scenes. The context of the story was very good, but it failed to develop. Powerful images are not enough. The grand plan to be close to the child has no logic in the real world.
Larraín is once again assisted by DoP Sergio Armstrong. He is a regular collaborator of the filmmaker. Together they have given the previous films a very recognizable photography. In Ema, he does another great job, it was the one he liked most in the whole film. The scenes with great emotional strength are achieved, thanks to the work of photography.
I agree with Marian Di Girolamo's specialists in solid acting. Known in her country for her participation in several TV series. With Ema she takes a huge leap. She has the responsibility of being the center of the story. The magnetic look that she wears favors her. I hope he continues his career making movies.
Maybe I saw her when my spirits were not so good. Maybe you're fascinated by that super empowered woman thing. Maybe you don't care about the inconsistencies in Ema's master plan. That's why I recommend her...
My Rankin: 3.1/5