Monica (2022)
14KMonica (2022). 1h 46m | R
“Greetings again from the darkness. The emotional strain associated with being estranged from oneu0026#39;s family reaches a level only those involved can comprehend. In this touching film from writer-director Andrea Pallaoro and co-writer Orlando Tirado, we focus on the return and attempted re-connection of one such person.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe first 15 minutes of the film move at an excruciatingly slow pace, as we get a feel for Monicau0026#39;s (Trace Lysette, u0026quot;Transparentu0026quot;, HUSTLERS 2019) everyday struggles. It appears there is no joy in her life as relationships unravel, and she attempts to find her way. A phone call notifies of her motheru0026#39;s deteriorating health due to a brain tumor. The news draws Monica back home for the first time since she left years ago. Greeted with a hug from her sister-in-law Laura (Emily Browning, SUCKER PUNCH 2011), Monica meets her nieces and nephews for the first time. A reunion with brother Paul (Joshua Close) is initially quite awkward. The siblings do get their moment a bit later, although itu0026#39;s when Monica is by her motheru0026#39;s side that the film excels.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePatricia Clarkson plays Eugenia, a woman whose brain tumor is wreaking havoc not just on her physical presence, but also her emotions. At times, sheu0026#39;s merely a child calling for her own mother, while at other times, sheu0026#39;s hard-headed and demanding that she can take care of herself … this despite the constant attention from her caregiver, Letta (Adriana Barraza, BABEL 2006). She doesnu0026#39;t appear to recognize Monica, and a running theme is, u0026quot;Are you going to tell her?u0026quot; We feel Monicau0026#39;s pain as she attempts to find solace in merely being close to her mother, but itu0026#39;s in the bathtub scene where Clarksonu0026#39;s incredible talent shines through, and the many webs of deceit and uncertainty reach a conclusion.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eLysetteu0026#39;s performance as Monica captures the vulnerability that allows the film to work. Is she isolated or trapped … or is it both? Itu0026#39;s a role that takes 45 minutes of screen time before sheu0026#39;s allowed a smile, though her Cocteau Twins t-shirt is appreciated. Pallaorou0026#39;s approach here is restrained (an understatement), and he gives up backstory hesitantly, and in small doses and hints. No scene is overrun with dialogue. Cinematographer Katelin Arizmendi uses close-ups effectively to convey the emotional strain and unseen barriers to closeness. The result is a strong family drama on relationships, decisions, acceptance/rejection, and health issues.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOpens on May 12, 2023.”
