«Enigma», watch out for the punches!

Fribourg International Film Festival - Amélie Wauthier

At last, a film for which I don't feel like writing a scathing review - quite the opposite, in fact. As part of its program devoted to police investigations, Chilean TV decided to focus on the unsolved murder of a young woman beaten to death eight years earlier. This event plunges us into the daily life of Nancy, the victim's mother, and her family. It's an opportunity for each of them to confront their point of view and their perception of a young girl they didn't know so well...

The film opens with an interview between a journalist and Nancy Vasquez. We learn about the circumstances surrounding the death of her daughter, Sandra, and the brutality of this homophobic crime strikes us right in the heart! From that moment on, we become captivated witnesses to the daily lives of this family—a group of diverse yet united individuals, full of life and authenticity! We follow them through their grief and their quest to understand.

The story is inspired by real events that took place in 1984 and were also the subject of a program on unsolved mysteries. However, it’s easy to forget that the plot is set in the 1990s, given how much it resonates with our society today. The power of the dialogue leads us to question our own acceptance of homosexuality and our reactions to it.

The director’s choices are particularly insightful and clever. They reflect deep thought and meticulous work. The tight, confined shots almost give the impression of hidden cameras. The result—both from the viewer’s perspective and visually speaking—is brilliant! The camera angles, the use of mirrors, and the emphasis on windows lend a delicate and delightful poetic quality. The actors’ performances are remarkable and moving. 

In short, this movie is beautiful! This movie is deeply moving! (It’s also vibrant, authentic, and poignant!) I can’t recommend it highly enough—just don’t forget to bring a tissue, because you’ll most likely be in for a tearjerker. 

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Photo credit: © Enigma