This just over 15-minute short film takes us on a journey that showcases a unique view of grief.
The Mourning Of marks the fourth short film directed by Merced Elizondo. This just over 15-minute short film takes us on a journey that showcases a unique view of grief. Delving into what it can look like to deny yourself permission to grow and using unconventional ways in search for solace you know will not pay off.
Elizondo’s writing pairs beautifully with his direction. The decision to have little dialogue, particularly at the beginning of the short, forces the audience to sit with the silence that feels like it could swallow us whole. Much similar to a feeling of overwhelming grief. The silences and the tone of each scene we see Maribel (portrayed by Natalia Villegas) sit through each new funeral service is beautifully and painfully poetic. The quiet realisation that occurs throughout the short that she is using others to combat her own grief is a deeply personal punch for the narrative.
The sound design is particularly impressive and memorable. The effective use of silence, paired with the delicate atmosphere of cathedrals and the sounds of the grieving, creates an overwhelming, immersive illusion for the viewer.
Villegas performs a quietly heartbreaking performance. She excels in the fragility of a scene using a physical performance that is subtle but impactful, that speaks massively with little dialogue. She bares her heart on the screen, showcasing vulnerability that is relatable and understanding of the universal feeling of grief and what we do with the love we have left over.
Comments
Post a Comment