El Apego (The Attachment Diaries) (2023)

El Apego (The Attachment Diaries), directed by Valentin Javier Diment, blends melodrama, noir and horror as it delves into the depths of human desperation and the lengths some people will go to in order to survive. However, the weirder the film gets, the less satisfying it becomes.  

Set in 1970s Argentina, the story follows Carla (Jimena Anganuzzi) a young woman who finds herself during a rainy night at the home of gynecologist Irina (Lola Berthet).  Destitute and unable to have an abortion, Carla offers to sell herself and her baby to Irina who agrees to find foster parents for a hefty profit.  From there, the film takes a dark and twisted turn, exploring themes of sexual depravity and obsession.

Initially, the cinematography is shot in black and white; the film eventually bursts into color after Irina experiences an orgasm with Carla.  This sexual awakening opens the floodgates for mutual obsession and attached dependency, as quickly as the bodies begin to pile up. 

 

While the retro visual style keeps everything interesting, ultimately the film’s desperation to shock is apparent while taking a deep dive into B-movie schlock, which some audiences may enjoy.  🎬🎬 (2 out of 4)

Falcon Lake (2023)

Falcon Lake is a beautifully crafted drama that portrays the innocence and complexity of adolescence. Director Charlotte Le Bon has done an impressive job in creating a romantic and delicate narrative with an unexpected surprise narrative twist.

The narrative follows 13-year-old Bastien (Joseph Engel) who is on a vacation with his family in Quebec. Bastien meets Chloé (Sara Montpetit), the 16-year-old daughter of his mother's old friend Louise (Karine Gonthier-Hyndman), and they begin to develop a relationship that is both sweet and mature.  

The performances of the lead cast are praiseworthy. Joseph Engel and Sara Montpetit have a natural chemistry that is heartwarming to watch. Karine Gonthier-Hyndman as Louise delivers a performance that is both strong and vulnerable.

The film's atmospheric cinematography captures the hazy summer landscapes of Quebec and adds to the film's overarching themes of self-discovery, family, and love. The imagery is carefully constructed to add depth to the story's emotional arc of the characters.  Overall, Falcon Lake is a poignant, beautiful, and touching film that explores the complexities of adolescent relationships. Le Bon has created a intimate film that is relevant and relatable.  🎬🎬🎬 (3 out of 4)