Family Life

In the breathtaking world of Chilean cinema comes an exceptional, award-winning film, Family Life or Vida de Familia directed by Alicia Scherson and Cristian Jimenez, boasting central performances by acclaimed actors Jorge Becker and Gabriela Arancibia.

Written by Alejandro Zambra, Family Life (2017) is a deeply moving familial drama interwoven with subtle humor and nuances of human relationships, making it an uniquely impactful film you won't easily forget.

The film features Jorge Becker in an engrossingly complex role as Martin, the protagonist leading a serene solitary life, who gets a chance to house-sit for his distant cousin Bruno, played by Sergio Hernández, while the latter gets away for a family vacation. A subtle exploration of identity, desire, illusions and reality, the film navigated, unfolds in a series of chapters each marked by the passing months.

In the large, rather impersonal suburban homeowner ship, Martin meets Pachi, an enigma played skilfully by Gabriela Arancibia. Pachi, a single mother balances her own life filled with struggles and complexities and is intrigued by Martin, the apparent homeowner. Taking advantage of the lack of verifiable information about him and the life he has been bestowed temporarily, Martin weaves a web of alternative persona making himself into the man he feels he should be, perhaps more interesting and affluent.

Their relationship takes a serendipitous turn graphing into the land of intimacy and trust as the film continues to develop force, sweeping the audience along with it. Oblivious to Martin's masquerade, Pachi helps in revealing his character layers and his vulnerabilities come to light as intricate dance of truth and deception ensues.

Family life champions human connections and truth, sending a profound message about the strength and complexity of relationships and truth. Gabriela Arancibia's phenomenal performance as Pachi, with her vivacious energy and engaging character portrays the earnest quest for a genuine and honest connection that dominates her relationship with Martin.

Jorge Becker, with his grounded and nuanced performance, adds depth and substance to Martin’s character. His transition from a solitary wanderer to a man who seeks emotional connection in an bouquet of lies and half-truths rests on the pillar of Becker’s assured and sensitive acting.

The film is rich with characters, each contributing to the socio-emotional landscape of the movie. Bruno's presence and absence, and the several whimsical characters, like the handyman and the imaginative neighbor, who come and go in the narrative, reinforce the diverse aspects of life and family showcased in the film. Supporting cast members including Blanca Lewin and Nathalia Galgani infuse the film with depth and dimension, creating a sense of shared human experience and perspective.

Scherson and Jimenez's directorial skills shine through the building tension, the unfolding drama, the ever-changing dynamics of relationships, and the gradual revealing of truth. Their employment of visual motifs and silent narrative elements are noteworthy and they proficiently manage to convey a sense of both time and atmosphere within the narrative structure.

The movie’s focus on domesticity and familial constructs ensures that the film remains insightful and relatable. It provides a refreshing perspective on what it means to be an individual within the social fabric, centering on the ambiguous nature of relationships and identities.

The film's cinematography deserves special mention with intimate shots, serene landscapes and the fluid camera work echoing the narrative's ebb and flow, offering viewers a uniquely immersive visual experience. The soft hues and natural contrasts lend an air of authenticity, holding up a mirror to the bittersweet reality of life and relationships.

Family Life makes for an intriguing watch, introducing its audience to a delicate dance of deception, truth, and human connections. It weaves an intricate narrative of everyday life embedded with deeper insights regarding identity, belongingness, and relationships, making it a true cinematic gem.

The film’s incredibly relatable characters, complex scene sequences, and deeper philosophical undertones highlight the cinematic excellence and vision of its creators, ensuring its place amongst the most prominent works of Chilean and worldwide cinema.

In a nutshell, Family Life is an understated triumph which offers a contemplative and poignant exploration of the human condition, family, and relationships in the modern world. A must-watch for anyone endeavored to contemplate the wonderous labyrinth that we call 'Life'.