Man breaks into a painter's house. Whilst searching for anything valuable and looking at various photos and sculptures, he stumbles upon a painting that particularly strikes him - a mother and a child, separated through one decisive cut in the middle of the canvas. He gazes at the scenery, whilst the camera lingers on his eyes, when suddenly the painter makes her presence known. The man immediately shoots her. Leaving the crime scene, he encounters the painter's daughter, who gives him a challenging look as if she wants to avenge her mother. The man shoots once again, and the title sequence follows. La madre muerta.
Honestly, I wouldn't have even heard of this movie, had it been not for the fact that I randomly chose a 'European film' module at uni. I've always loved movies, however I never really had a chance to venture out into non-English films. Now I do have the opportunity, and we started with Spanish film. La madre muerta is violent. It's brutal. But also somewhat... moving? Ismael, played by Karra Elejalde, is a psychopath for sure, he kills whenever he pleases, and kidnaps the girl whom he shot at the very beginning, the only difference being she's now mute and mentally impaired. Their dysfunctional, disturbing and completely inappropriate relationship is what makes the movie truly interesting. The inner turmoil of both Ismael and Leire is visible, and both actors give everything they've got, Ana Alvarez especially. I really like how the plot subverts the expectations. You'd think that a character gets away or has enough of a plot armour to remain unseen, and yet Ulloa has no mercy for anyone. I should watch some more movies of Ulloa. This one is a great beginning.
Honestly, I wouldn't have even heard of this movie, had it been not for the fact that I randomly chose a 'European film' module at uni. I've always loved movies, however I never really had a chance to venture out into non-English films. Now I do have the opportunity, and we started with Spanish film. La madre muerta is violent. It's brutal. But also somewhat... moving? Ismael, played by Karra Elejalde, is a psychopath for sure, he kills whenever he pleases, and kidnaps the girl whom he shot at the very beginning, the only difference being she's now mute and mentally impaired. Their dysfunctional, disturbing and completely inappropriate relationship is what makes the movie truly interesting. The inner turmoil of both Ismael and Leire is visible, and both actors give everything they've got, Ana Alvarez especially. I really like how the plot subverts the expectations. You'd think that a character gets away or has enough of a plot armour to remain unseen, and yet Ulloa has no mercy for anyone. I should watch some more movies of Ulloa. This one is a great beginning.