Reviews: Oscar Nominated Shorts – Mother And Marguerite

28th January 2019

Mother

A mother’s worst nightmare is played out with a minimalist cast and location in this gripping short film. The film follows Marta, a single mum who’s son has gone on holiday with his father. Whilst Marta has her mother around for a visit, she gets a phone call from her son who is alone on a beach. The following minutes of the film are heart wrenching.

The acting from Spanish television heavyweights Marta Nieto and Blanca Apilanez is so natural that the film could almost be a fly-on-the-wall documentary. What director Rodrigo Sorogoyen does with such a minimalist cast, location and idea packs a powerful punch. I can imagine this film will draw a few comparisons to Aldomavar’s Julieta, as it deals with generational anxiety. It also shows that if you have a great, low-buget idea that Oscar glory is in sight!

Marguerite

Actress turned director Marianna Farley delivers a delicate LGBTQ film with Marguerite. Canadian acting royalty Béatrice Picard is Marguerite, a lonely woman who is suffering from illness in her age. She has a friendship with her caseworker Rachel (Sandra Bisson) who, when she reveals she is in a gay relationship, inspires Marguerite to dig in to her past. This film highlights how sexual repression and societal judgement can effect someone for a life time and also the importance of friendship.

It is also very realistic in its portrayal of a care worker-patient relationship. To be personal, this actually reminded me of when my own grandmother was living at home alone. Surrounded by memories with few people to share them with. Despite Marguerite’s physical pains, the largest of them is emotional. A beautiful film and a big pay on the back for Farley for not only representing a smaller section of the LGBTQ community, but also showing that stories are not just for the young!

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