Valentina Maurel's sophomore feature, 'Forever Your Maternal Animal,' which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, stands out with its unique approach to storytelling, focusing on character over plot.
Sisters in Turmoil
The film centers on two sisters, Elsa and Amalia, played by Daniela Marín and Mariangel Montero, respectively. Elsa, a pragmatist visiting her family in San José, finds herself embroiled in familial tensions. Amalia, on the other hand, lives in a world of fantasies and confessions, complicating their already strained relationship. The sisters' dynamics are vividly presented, with Elsa embodying a reserved demeanor, while Amalia's openness often leads to unexpected revelations.
A Family in Crisis
Their mother, Isabel, portrayed by Marina De Tavira, adds another layer to the family's complexity. Preoccupied with the reissue of her poetry book, Isabel is distant, failing to address Amalia's reluctance to attend college or Elsa's unresolved issues in Belgium. The film captures their interactions in various settings, from malls to intimate home spaces, highlighting both conflict and affection.
Character-Driven Narrative
Maurel's screenplay eschews traditional plot structures, opting for episodic storytelling. This approach provides a richer understanding of the characters, as seen in scenes like the sisters' visit to their dementia-stricken nanny or their interactions with Amalia's dubious acquaintances. These moments reveal the characters' desires and motivations, rendering the film's lack of a conventional narrative arc secondary to its emotional exploration.
Visual and Emotional Impact
With cinematographer Nicolás Andrés capturing the film in closeup and medium shots, the audience is drawn into the characters' intimate world. This visual style, while potentially disorienting, mirrors the characters' internal unease and emotional turbulence. The performances, particularly Marín's portrayal of Elsa, anchor the film, balancing hardness and vulnerability. Montero's presence complements Marín's intensity, while De Tavira provides both humor and poignancy.
'Forever Your Maternal Animal' defies expectations of narrative payoff, focusing instead on the emotional tapestry of its characters. While its structure may challenge some viewers, the film's captivating performances and Maurel's keen observational lens ensure it remains engaging throughout.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/forever-your-maternal-animal-review-1236757322/
