The moment we first glimpse Gloria the whole screen simply comes alive capturing the essence of this intoxicating vibrant woman. She’s at a mixer in her hometown of Santiago for other mature and older single people who are hoping the heady combination of Latin dance music and alcohol will help them make a romantic connection. Gloria makes an awkward stab at conversation with a man she thinks she knows and even after they dance tightly entwined and quite provocatively, she still goes home alone with only her neighbors ugly bald cat for company.
One of Gloria’s greatest strengths (or weaknesses?) is her resilience. Even when her own offspring mock her choices in life and men, she is nothing less than magnanimous with them in return. And when Rodolfo doesn’t deserve a second chance, she still gives him one and throws herself into it wholeheartedly although she must have an inkling that it will fail ignominiously. Even when her attempts at a shot of happiness do not work out, Gloria is not to pitied as she is a fighter and when at she finally ends up alone on the dance floor singing along to the song Gloria’, it is somehow a moment of pure joy that you cannot help but want to celebrate too.
The movie owes its success completely to the tour-de-force performance of its star Paulina Garcia who is simply electrifyingly wonderful. No holds, barred even in the lovemaking scenes which are frankly rare and bold given the maturity of the two leads. Kudos to director & co-writer Sebastián Lelio for leaving enough loose strands in the plot line to pump up our imagination more.
Unmissable.
Available from Amazon
★★★★★★★★★
