“A CONTAGIOUSÂ STORYLINE”
Starring: Marta Etura, Carolina Varleta, Alyandro Butto and Hector Morales
Directed by: Shawn Garry
Rated: Unrated
Genre: Art/Foreign and Drama
Subtitles: English
By John Delia
It has been said that good things come in small packages and this little film is no exception. The movie Desierto Sur does a brilliant job of bringing a story of sorrow, determination and discovery to the screen that’s touching and convincing. It’s the kind of film that you will remember long after the movie theater credits roll.
A young Barcelona woman, Sofia (Etura), looses her mother after a long illness and cannot come to terms with her death. Days later she receives a letter by return mail to her parent’s house that suggests her mother was hiding a secret affair. Torn by this new discovery and determined to put all the pieces together, she travels to Chile to find answers. Along the way to the seemingly unknown town of Desierto Sur Sofia faces many challenges and befriends Nadia (Varleta), a vagabond thief and Gustavo (Butto), a drug dealer in order to overcome them. What starts out as a trip of discovery, turns into an adventurous journey of uncertainty, danger and closure.
The talented gifted actors in Desierto Sur do a superb job of bringing their characters to life. Etura turns her Sofia from a purest young lady into a woman as she takes one growing step after another on her journey to maturity. Playing the tramp Nadia, Varleta gives valuable support to the film. Her undisciplined Nadia latches on to unsuspecting Sofia in order to get what she wants, only to find out that she has her own vulnerabilities. Butto’s Good Samaritan Gustavo uses the two young women by making them pawns in his ‘last’ drug
run. The chemistry between Butto and Etura makes the chance love affair that spawns Sofia’s womanhood, realistic and acceptable.
But, the accolades for this film don’t stop here. When all seems hopeless, Sofia runs into Brittany, a transvestite played by Hector Morales. The actor puts on a performance worthy of an Oscar. In a very unforgettable scene Brittany restyles Sofia’s hair in a disgusting bathroom while nonchalantly consoling the panicky woman. It’s a Gem!
The talented cinematography by Pau Monras Servat provides visuals that include gorgeous and majestic to anguish and hopelessness. The lens sucks it all in adding the necessary feel to the engrossing storyline.
Direction by Shawn Garry makes the whole thing happen, breathing life into a great script by Trinidad Jiménez. I especially liked the way Garry develops the characters on the screen and keeps them real throughout.
The film is unrated but includes adult content, offensive language and sexuality so take this into account before deciding to bring youngsters to a showing.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An excellent film worthy of high recognition. (5 of 5 Palm Trees)
Limited Engagement October 9, 10, & 11 Only!
Fri., 8:45 pm. Sat., 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm, Sun., 6:00 pm
Bill Cosford Cinema
UM School of Communication
5100 Brunson Drive
Coral Gables, FLÂ 33146