Eugenia

"Eugenia" is a captivating 2017 drama film from Bolivia that beautifully captures the complexities of human relationships and the haunting skeletons of our past. The film was directed by Martin Boulocq and features a talented ensemble of actors including Andrea Camponovo, Daniel Abud, and Giovana Aguirre in pivotal roles.

The movie revolves around the character of Eugenia, portrayed by Andrea Camponovo. She is a somewhat lost, aimless woman who hails from a middle-class family and struggles to find her identity and purpose amidst the turmoil of her life. The narrative, set in Cochabamba, emphasises the importance of one's surroundings and interactions in shaping who we are. The scenic beauty of the town acts as a silent character throughout the film, showcasing the importance of societal factors in influencing the individuality of the characters.

Daniel Abud, who complements Camponovo’s performance as Eugenia's husband, wonderfully explores the role of an affectionate yet subtly authoritative figure. He struggles to understand Eugenia's complex character whilst grappling with his individual traumatizing experiences from the past. Their relationship, calmly coloured with moments of both affection and volatility, represents the real-life shades of a married couple attempting to coexist amidst their personal issues.

Giovana Aguirre's performance, in particular, stands out. She successfully brings vividness to her character, reincarnating the struggles of a young woman trying to break free from the chains of societal norms. Aguirre's performance is thoughtfully restrained, and her interactions with Camponovo are delivered with an impressive naturalistic style that mirrors their fraught and somewhat enigmatic relationship.

The characters in "Eugenia" are vividly portrayed, depicting a spectrum of emotions each struggling with their past, their desires, and the societal chains that bound them. From Eugenia's belief that she could escape her past and start anew, to other characters' innate fear of change and the unknown, the audience is thrust into a roller coaster of emotional arcs that resonate deeply.

It's also worth noting that "Eugenia" subtly addresses the important issue of gentrification – the process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste. This theme is notably relevant in the film's depiction of Eugenia's Cochabamba neighbourhood, where a certain layer of the town's identity is being systematically lost to modernization.

Where "Eugenia" truly shines is in its cinematography and visual storytelling. The film depicts the characters' struggles not only through their engaging interactions but also through its detailed framing and composition. Its storytelling is mostly visual, with dialogue often minimal and movement telling the story more than mere words could. The landscape of Cochabamba is beautifully captured by the director of photography, helping set the tone and atmosphere of the film.

The movie is not just an engaging drama but also a profound reflection on societal issues and human relationships. It subtly interrogates the complexity of gentrification in Cochabamba, the struggles of dealing with past trauma, and the hardships of maintaining relationships under duress. The characters are well-built and thoughtfully manifested, making the narrative even more relatable to the audience.

Martin Boulocq has managed to create a rich atmospheric film that is both visually stunning and emotionally captivating. The characters, while dealing with their own unique struggles, reflect the larger picture of societal conflicts and personal demons that plague individuals in contemporary society.

In conclusion, "Eugenia" is a compelling and evocative drama that captures the essence of a woman's struggle to come to terms with her past and build a future amidst societal restrictions and personal traumas. Packed with extraordinary performances from the lead actors, "Eugenia" is a worthy addition to the underrated category of world cinema. The film's sharp portrayal of societal issues, coupled with its poignant depiction of human relationships, makes it a genuine exploration of life’s desires, struggles, and the constant pursuit of happiness and freedom.