Among the people waiting for a bus one winter night, we find three people, from different walks of life that happen to be there. There is Mila, a teacher from a high school. Celso, a security guard from a department store. And Valeria, a young talented cellist. These three souls have nothing in common except the way they are just thrown together for no particular reason, although the trio are at a different crossroads of their lives.
Mila, the teacher, is getting over a bad experience from a beating she received from an unruly student. She lives by herself, a lonely life, indeed without a lot of friends, except another colleague. In her building there is an eccentric older woman who loves dogs. The tenants feel this lady is not fit to have the animals in her apartment because she hardly can take care of herself. When Mila finds a dog, she does not think twice in bringing it to her neighbor, not realizing she is compounding on the problem. Mila decides to visit the old woman on a whim, and ends up staying to help her with her needs.
Celso, the guard, is seen catching an older man stealing a perfume. The man, in a panic, asks forgiveness as he puts back the bottle, Celso does not bring him to the office. Living in somewhat more cramped quarters, Celso gets the news he is going to become the father of twins, something he cannot afford. Celso, on an impulse, steals a piece of jewelry from the store, trying to give it back he is fired. His life changes and he becomes a homeless person until one day, missing home he decides to return and face his wife.
Finally, Valeria, the young cellist, is seen practicing with a string quartet directed by Hugo. It is evident she is in love with this man. Her problem is her mother, a depressed woman, that is facing a crisis. Valeria discovers Hugo has no intentions of staying with her. He picks on the players as he pleases. The appearance of Hugo's wife on the scene is the pivoting point for her waking up to reality. Valeria, decides to bring her mother out of the hole she dug for herself and finally succeeds the night of her big concert.
This Spanish film directed by Judith Colell, is new to us. The screenplay was written by Gemma Ventura, who according to the credits on this page is making her transition from shorts into full length features. We were impressed with Ms. Colell take on an existential look at three people so different that there are no possible comparisons. Yet, the film holds our attention. Ms. Colell tells her story without a trace of humor, something it could have used to lighten up the oppressive atmosphere one finds in the narrative.
Mercedes Sanpietro appears as Mila in a role that brings out the kindness within her, making a good contribution to the film. Alex Brendemuhl loses himself in his Celso in a subtle performance the director gets from him. Aina Clotet is Valeria, the young student balancing her career, a lover and her serious situation at home. Silvia Munt is seen as Valeria's mother, and Joaquim DeAlmeida plays Hugo.
Mila, the teacher, is getting over a bad experience from a beating she received from an unruly student. She lives by herself, a lonely life, indeed without a lot of friends, except another colleague. In her building there is an eccentric older woman who loves dogs. The tenants feel this lady is not fit to have the animals in her apartment because she hardly can take care of herself. When Mila finds a dog, she does not think twice in bringing it to her neighbor, not realizing she is compounding on the problem. Mila decides to visit the old woman on a whim, and ends up staying to help her with her needs.
Celso, the guard, is seen catching an older man stealing a perfume. The man, in a panic, asks forgiveness as he puts back the bottle, Celso does not bring him to the office. Living in somewhat more cramped quarters, Celso gets the news he is going to become the father of twins, something he cannot afford. Celso, on an impulse, steals a piece of jewelry from the store, trying to give it back he is fired. His life changes and he becomes a homeless person until one day, missing home he decides to return and face his wife.
Finally, Valeria, the young cellist, is seen practicing with a string quartet directed by Hugo. It is evident she is in love with this man. Her problem is her mother, a depressed woman, that is facing a crisis. Valeria discovers Hugo has no intentions of staying with her. He picks on the players as he pleases. The appearance of Hugo's wife on the scene is the pivoting point for her waking up to reality. Valeria, decides to bring her mother out of the hole she dug for herself and finally succeeds the night of her big concert.
This Spanish film directed by Judith Colell, is new to us. The screenplay was written by Gemma Ventura, who according to the credits on this page is making her transition from shorts into full length features. We were impressed with Ms. Colell take on an existential look at three people so different that there are no possible comparisons. Yet, the film holds our attention. Ms. Colell tells her story without a trace of humor, something it could have used to lighten up the oppressive atmosphere one finds in the narrative.
Mercedes Sanpietro appears as Mila in a role that brings out the kindness within her, making a good contribution to the film. Alex Brendemuhl loses himself in his Celso in a subtle performance the director gets from him. Aina Clotet is Valeria, the young student balancing her career, a lover and her serious situation at home. Silvia Munt is seen as Valeria's mother, and Joaquim DeAlmeida plays Hugo.
