When fashion and art photographer Marta loses her job, she needs to give up her share-flat in trendy Barcelona, and return to the working-class suburb she grew up in. As well as having to tolerate her loving but annoying mother, who comes into her room without knocking and treats her like a child, she also reconnects with her high-school besties. At first she enjoys drinks and laughs with the old gang, but when her newly developed snobbery shows itself, cracks begin to appear in the friendships.
Powerhouse sister team, director Carol Rodríguez Colás and screenwriter Marina Rodríguez Colás, have put together a film of quiet perfection. They have taken the reliable trope of big-city-girl-returns-to-her-roots and given it freshness, authenticity, and profundity, wrapped up in delicious humour.
This is a true ensemble piece. Colás has gathered four of Spain’s most popular young actors: Vicky Luengo as Marta; Carolina Yuste as Desi; Elisabet Casanovas as Bea; and Ángela Cervantes as Soraya. The portrait of female friendship is hilariously realistic, and often moving. These four actors are a constant joy to watch, and clearly revel in their respective roles.
Girlfriends is not just about friendship, or home: it is also an exploration of authentic creativity. Marta has been taking good, but not brilliant, photos, for the fashion magazine. But as she reconnects with her roots, and with the messy, funny, warm, annoying, but very real people around her old neighbourhood, she find she own photographic voice.
This beautiful film has won a swag of awards including Best First Film, the Audience Award, and the Movistar+ Award at Málaga Spanish Film Festival 2021, and Best Supporting Actress at the Gaudí Awards 2022.
Girlfriends is the kind of film Spain does best: a sexy, quirky, authentic comedy, with a meaningful core. This is a film to fall in love with.
Girlfriends is screening as part of the Moro Spanish Film Festival, from April 27th, at Palace Nova Eastend.
Click here for further information, and to book tickets.
A film to fall in love with 4.5 stars
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