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newfest
Honestly, I have seen some fucked-up films, Almamula is definitely in the top of that list. Consider it a very high compliment. Longer I watched it, more I couldn't stop! Starting off with very high suspense, Almamula switches pace quickly. Nino (main character), is caught with another boy, severely beaten. Community forces his family to move. "He is a bad influence".
Backstory is not really explained in this one. Apparently, his family is well respected in a rural part of Argentina. Where main story takes place. Scene / story jumping increases pace for most of the film.
Nino's questioning of sexuality, evolving as a gay male is placed in the almost far background. Touched on only in a few scenes. Falsities of Catholic Church / teachings are more in foreground. Nino is forced to join a group of young people taking classes to be confirmed. You can tell more from his expressions than words how much he is questioning / rebelling against what is taught.
I want to focus on something implied about Nino here. It almost appears he is mentally fucked up. Not talking about his sexuality. At one point (in confession) he admits to touching himself while thinking of Christ. He almost becomes obsessed with the legend of Almamula. Wanting to meet this forest creature. Even asking what he needs to do in order to disappear like another boy.
Thinking about this from another angle: It could be from his need to escape an oppressive life where Nino is constantly an outsider. A father who never spends time with him (implied). A church / god that enforces almost impossible rules. Trauma of the beating (leading us to believe this was only a small sample) and growing up.
In addition to Nino, other characters motives / sexuality are brought in question, especially the females. His mother could have been looking / thinking about other men. At one point, Nino asks his mother if she ever had impure thoughts. The look on her face (how did he figure this out?) / reaction are priceless. Try that question with your parents as a kid. Even his sister (subtly) is brought into question. Shortly after location change, she clearly blames Nino for moving and her new life.
Almamula is definitely a film worth your time and watching. Combination of suspense (almost throughout entire movie) / excellent character design and evolution / eerie settings (forest and even house), and more combine to keep you guessing and asking questions that may or may not be answered. Note: even when there is no / little dialogue, silence or sound effects perfectly set and build suspense / eerie setting. Almamula will stay with you after the film ends. Seriously, this is a great movie to watch on a night with the lights off.
Backstory is not really explained in this one. Apparently, his family is well respected in a rural part of Argentina. Where main story takes place. Scene / story jumping increases pace for most of the film.
Nino's questioning of sexuality, evolving as a gay male is placed in the almost far background. Touched on only in a few scenes. Falsities of Catholic Church / teachings are more in foreground. Nino is forced to join a group of young people taking classes to be confirmed. You can tell more from his expressions than words how much he is questioning / rebelling against what is taught.
I want to focus on something implied about Nino here. It almost appears he is mentally fucked up. Not talking about his sexuality. At one point (in confession) he admits to touching himself while thinking of Christ. He almost becomes obsessed with the legend of Almamula. Wanting to meet this forest creature. Even asking what he needs to do in order to disappear like another boy.
Thinking about this from another angle: It could be from his need to escape an oppressive life where Nino is constantly an outsider. A father who never spends time with him (implied). A church / god that enforces almost impossible rules. Trauma of the beating (leading us to believe this was only a small sample) and growing up.
In addition to Nino, other characters motives / sexuality are brought in question, especially the females. His mother could have been looking / thinking about other men. At one point, Nino asks his mother if she ever had impure thoughts. The look on her face (how did he figure this out?) / reaction are priceless. Try that question with your parents as a kid. Even his sister (subtly) is brought into question. Shortly after location change, she clearly blames Nino for moving and her new life.
Almamula is definitely a film worth your time and watching. Combination of suspense (almost throughout entire movie) / excellent character design and evolution / eerie settings (forest and even house), and more combine to keep you guessing and asking questions that may or may not be answered. Note: even when there is no / little dialogue, silence or sound effects perfectly set and build suspense / eerie setting. Almamula will stay with you after the film ends. Seriously, this is a great movie to watch on a night with the lights off.
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