Javier Bardem delivers a compelling performance in Rodrigo Sorogoyen's latest film, 'The Beloved,' as Esteban Martínez, a celebrated director returning to Spain to shoot a desert drama with his estranged daughter, Emilia, played by Victoria Luengo.
Family and Film
Esteban, known for winning an Oscar for best international film, offers his daughter Emilia a lead role in his new project, a decision that seems as much about reconciliation as it is about casting. The film parallels the familial themes seen in 'Sentimental Value' but stands out by focusing on the filmmaking process itself, akin to classics like 'Day for Night.'
Behind the Scenes
The opening scene sets the stage as Esteban and Emilia meet for lunch in Madrid to discuss the film. Esteban's charm contrasts with Emilia's cautious enthusiasm and hints at their strained relationship, untouched for 13 years. Their conversation reveals underlying tensions, with Emilia recalling a troubling past incident during a viewing of 'Kill Bill: Volume 2,' highlighting Esteban's troubled history and her unresolved pain.
Bardem's Commanding Presence
Bardem's portrayal of Esteban is complex, capturing the character's charisma and underlying manipulation. His evolution from enfant terrible to a more mature, albeit still controlling, figure provides a platform for Bardem to showcase his range. The film-within-a-film, a period piece titled 'Desert,' centers on the Sahrawi uprising, adding layers of irony and humor as its quality and coherence are called into question.
Filmmaking Dissected
Director Sorogoyen masterfully depicts the chaotic filmmaking process, incorporating black-and-white sequences to reflect Emilia's disorientation. The movie further delves into Esteban's past, revealing his abandonment of Emilia and her mother, actress Charo Vera, after his first successful film, 'Sorocco.' His new family contrasts with the fractured relationships he left behind.
The film's standout sequence involves an outdoor lunch scene where on-set mishaps become a spectacle of filmmaking gone awry. Esteban's frustration with his actors' inability to convincingly eat fish stew becomes a metaphor for his controlling tendencies and the shifting dynamics of power on modern film sets.
Ultimately, 'The Beloved' critiques Esteban's personal and professional failures, as Emilia's growing anger brings her emotional truth to the forefront. Bardem's nuanced performance reveals Esteban's inner conflict, suggesting a deep-seated regret he struggles to confront, encapsulating the film's exploration of familial and creative reconciliation.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/the-beloved-review-javier-bardem-1236750755/
