Transition. The process of changing from one state to another. At birth, individuals are assigned a sex based on the human anatomy and society is indoctrinated to follow that homogeneous route. The emotional involvement of one's sex is rarely taken into consideration. The overwhelming warning that the body the individual resides within is not the authentic appearance that makes them comfortable. A gender identity or expression that differs from what "nature" intended. Transgender, independent of sexual orientation. Much like Marina, a young transgender woman residing in Santiago, members of this community face scrutiny, bigotry and discrimination daily. A society failing to comprehend what she has become as a person. "An illusion", her recently deceased lover's ex-wife remarks. Transphobia infiltrates the narrow minded family who believe she has caused his premature death. And it is through this intense period of loss, that Lelio celebrates the endurance of women and transgender bravery, through a compassionate and tender central performance.
Discrimination in any form, whether verbal or physical, is wrong. Everyone has an equal right as a human being on this planet to live how they choose to, without facing judgement from others. Marina is unfortunately inflicted with prejudice throughout. Name calling, pushed around, reference by her "dead name" and temporarily kidnapped with sellotape wrapped around her face. Yet, despite all the intolerant obstacles thrown her way, she battles on. Why? Because this is a daily occurrence. She is a representation of transgender issues that people encounter regularly, and by merely ignoring these and continuing on, she proves to have the higher morality.
Lelio's insistence on preventing melodrama ensures a permanent fluidity throughout that manifests into celebratory observance. A Fantastic Woman, at its core, is not a drama revolving around explicit discriminatory actions for its whole duration. It's a journey. A quest for identity. Echazarreta's audacious cinematography acutely equips reflective surfaces throughout, with Marina staring directly at them. Positioned in the most precarious of places, most notably, her lower region. These moments of solidarity, with the world around her seemingly paused, provide much reflection for her identity. In a time when she is under intense scrutiny from others, doubt can overwhelm. Viewing herself as someone else. A confusion. Yet, during these tranquil existential stares at mirrors, she finds herself again. Who she really is.
Lelio merges several scenes of fantastical nature to symbolise her struggles and her pleasures. From battling gale force winds upon the graffiti-ridden streets of Santiago, to performing a dance routine in the middle of a gay club. The blend of reality and fantasy makes Marina's journey all the more personable, and the use of vivid colours throughout supply a sense of vibrancy that Marina exudes. Another theme explored is grief. Marina provides a strong exterior, never once breaking down from anguish or melancholy. Unfortunately, she has to be during this time. For if society saw her crumble, the bigotry she faces would ultimately succeed. It's only when she visits her lover at the morgue, alone, that she sheds a tear or two. She is no longer bounded by the shackles of love. Incredibly simple execution, but ever so powerful regardless. Herbert's repetitively gentle score alludes to the humanity residing with Marina, however felt overbearing and often out of place given the subtle drama presented.
Lelio grants much trust to Vega in the central role, considering the pressure of making history with its open transgender issues. She delivered. An extraordinarily confident performance, equipped with a strong physicality that commanded every scene. Both vulnerable and invincible. Empathetic and emotive. A ludicrous amount of subtle nuances throughout that grants life to Marina as an icon for transgender people.
Aside from the misplaced score, my only criticism is with the open-ended police investigation. The nude photography to prove Marina's innocence, whilst inhumane given the circumstances and her treatment, was the last time the investigation was mentioned. Some closure would've been appropriate to tie up the loose ends that Marina had been facing with Orlando's family.
Menial criticisms however, as A Fantastic Woman really is a fantastic film. Divulging into a subject matter of paramount importance with an adept level of sensitivity and tenderness. On a personal note, concluding this review with a snappy line felt misplaced given the topic. Instead, my admiration for a dear friend who I've only known recently, acted as a better substitution. Evelyn. She is, without a doubt, the bravest woman I know. Currently undergoing her transitioning period, she much like Marina faces discrimination everyday. Forever facing double-looks from random individuals in public. And that's not right. We all have human rights. We all deserve to be treated equally. It's about time we, as a society, show love instead of prejudice. And I seriously hope this film sheds some light onto these growing issues.
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