Family Members

Family Members, produced in 2019 from Argentina, dives deep into the heart of family ties, the complexity of relationships, and the unspoken burdens and hushed problems that linger in the chaos of daily life. Directed by Mateo Bendesky, the film stars Javier Abril, Sergio Boris, and Edgardo Castro, delving into the themes of isolation, survival and family within a unique, suspense-filled backdrop.

Set against the backdrop of quiet rural landscapes juxtaposed with harsh urban realities, Family Members tells the story of a brother and sister, Lucas (played by Javier Abril) and Gilda (portrayed by Laila Maltz) returning to their hometown after the sudden and mysterious death of their mother. They soon find themselves lost within the confines of their home, the only place that once offered familiarity is now full of oddities and unexpected secrets.

Javier Abril provides a compelling performance as Lucas, seemingly distant yet filled with an underlying tension that keeps viewers guessing about his true intentions and secrets. He has a quiet magnetism that epitomizes his character's introverted and reserved nature but also shows depth and emotional complexity.

Lucas’s sister, Gilda, portrayed by Laila Maltz, offers a tangible contrast to her brother. Spirited, daring, and rife with unpredictability, Gilda adds a richness to the narrative. The chemistry between Maltz and Abril is palpable, emphasizing the frangible bond between two siblings who are navigating their mother's death and their own personal struggles.

Sergio Boris shines in his role as a man from their past, and through him, the state of the siblings' home begins to unravel. Boris brings both a depth and intensity to his character that continues to add layers to the narrative until the final scenes.

Edgardo Castro gives a captivating performance as a mysterious character whose presence triggers the study of a hidden past; his nuanced performance keeps viewers on tenterhooks throughout the movie, his every scene a cryptic puzzle waiting to be unraveled.

Their journeys are an exceptional fusion of personal and collective despair, dealing with existential questions and themes revolving around individual identity, the nature of love, and the importance of moving forward. The film intricately starts blurring the line between reality and the ethereal as they navigate through various stages of their grief.

The cinematography of Family Members is equally compelling, capturing the serene atmosphere of rural Argentina while punctuating the tension-filled mystery that unravels throughout the narrative. The director skillfully uses long shots and close-ups to convey the raw emotion and mystery attractively. The color palette is perfectly blended with the story, giving it a more realistic and eerie feel, sometimes using muted colors or even stark black and white to highlight the story's moody and psychologically riotous nature.

Notable is the austere yet beautiful soundtrack that aptly complements the film’s overall mood. The music and sound design play key roles in escalating the tension and enhancing the narrative's overall suspense.

Family Members is brilliant in the way it seductively unravels the fears, anxieties, and the complexities of human relationships. It presents a surrealist portrayal of loss and struggle that is enthralling and thought-provoking. However, beneath the palpable tension and drama, there lies the movie's true essence: an exploration of a fractured family's quest for closure, healing, and eventually, understanding. Every character is fully-formed and human, with their dreams and fears tangible and real, which gives the narrative a hidden intensity.

Family Members is not just a movie. It is a study of the human psyche and the complex web of emotions, dealing with love, loss, and the chaos in between. With its outstanding performances, gripping plotlines, and stunning visuals, Family Members stands as an impressive addition to the landscape of world cinema and is sure to linger in the minds of viewers long after it ends. It is indeed a must-watch, offering an absorbing amalgamation of melancholia and familial ties shrouded in mystery and suspense.