El Planeta

El Planeta is a distinct and dramatically enigmatic comedy-drama presented in 2021. This Spanish indie black comedy is a unique blend of socio-economic commentary cleverly cloaked in a seemingly casual narrative. Filmmaker Amalia Ulman serves as a triple threat, taking on the roles of director, writer, and co-star. She shares the screen with her mother, Ale Ulman, and the heart-hitting Nacho Vigalondo as the movie's prominent cast.

The film draws its essence from the current social and economic crisis plaguing Spain through the lens of a single city, Gijon, in the north of the country. Through engaging narrative and visual storytelling, it creatively highlights the human struggle for survival in an increasingly challenging economic climate. As far as the title goes, 'El Planeta', it evokes the thematic concept of living in a world that is profoundly distorted by financial hardship and the ensuing emotional trauma.

El Planeta is centred around the intertwined lives of Leonor (Amalia Ulman) and Maria (Ale Ulman), a mother-daughter duo. The way this duo navigates their poverty-stricken life against the backdrop of Gijon is the crux of the story. They live in an apartment that's far beyond their means, trying to keep up appearances despite their dire circumstances. However, the spectre of eviction is a continuous presence, looming like a persistent cloud over their lives.

The film showcases a remarkable blend of comedy and underlying sorrow. Amid their hardships, Leonor and Maria deploy humor as a coping mechanism, illuminating the resilience of the human spirit during testing times. For instance, even though they can barely afford essentials, Leonor finds time to critique high fashion and Maria always wears her best attire even when she's merely staying around the house.

The cleverness of El Planeta lies in its ability to make you laugh and then abruptly confront you with the harsh realities its characters endure. The film straddles a delicate balance between light-hearted comedy and insightful societal commentary. Throughout the narrative, you'll find yourself smiling at the idiosyncrasies of the mother-daughter relationship only to realize that the humor often punctuates moments of genuine hardship.

The performances delivered by Amalia and Ale Ulman anchor the film effectively. Their onscreen chemistry is a highlight of their performances, attributed to their real-life mother-daughter relationship. They effortlessly portray the seamless mix of love, irritation, and desperate co-dependence that can characterize such relationships during difficult times.

In her role as Leonor, Amalia Ulman embodies the persona of a young woman navigating the trials of an unsuccessful artistic career and the pressure of impending poverty. Her performance is a delicate dance of managing unrealized dreams and harsh reality.

Ale Ulman's portrayal of Maria is equally compelling. Her character embodies a faded glamour clinging to the remnants of a more prosperous past while enduring the harsh present. There's an elegance to Maria even in her downward spiral, carrying herself with grace and dignity despite the circumstances.

Nacho Vigalondo's role, albeit less prominent, is as impactful in its own way. He becomes a part of their world, directly and indirectly emphasizing the owed rent’s importance and their financial struggles.

Visually, El Planeta makes ample use of black and white cinematic aesthetics that resonates beautiful nostalgia and local culture of Gijon. The cinematography by Carlos Rigo Bellver plays a crucial role in capturing the charm and despair of the quaint coastal city, which is a masterpiece in itself.

El Planeta's narrative structure is innovative and engaging, focusing more on individual scenes than a traditional linear storytelling approach. It leaves room for interpretation about the characters' pasts, their motivations, and their future, thereby involving the audience in a subconscious conversation with the unfolding plot.

In essence, El Planeta is a must-see cinematic experience for lovers of indie films, black comedy, and socio-economic storytelling. Blending everyday realism with absurdist humor, the film is a poignant exploration of economic hardship, familial bonds, and the human endurance to prevail. It offers a fresh, engaging narrative with rich, three-dimensional characters brought to life by excellent performances and intricate storytelling. With ‘El Planeta’, Amalia Ulman presents us with a strikingly original film that dares to unflinchingly address the economic uncertainty of our times.