Hortensia

Hortensia is a 2015 Argentine comedy-drama film, directed by Diego Lublinsky and Álvaro Urtizberea. Having made its global premiere at the Buenos Aires International Independent Film Festival, it showcases a perfect blend of dark comedy, melodrama, and romantic plotting to satirically address real-life issues. The movie stars Camila Romagnolo, Agustin Scalise, and David Szechtman, each delivering a charismatic performance.

The narrative revolves mainly around Hortensia, depicted satisfyingly by Camila Romagnolo. Hortensia is a thirty-something woman dealing with profound emotional issues. Primarily due to her recently deceased mother's overbearing nature, Hortensia lives in a world devoid of satisfaction and self-confidence. Saddled with her grief, she finds herself at an emotional crossroads.

Hortensia is struggling to find her place in the world amidst the societal norms that have been thrust upon her. Working as a writer, she has a strained relationship with her boyfriend, Agustin Scalise. His carefree nature stands in sharp contrast to Hortensia's more serious demeanor, presenting a relationship dynamic that's painfully relatable for viewers.

David Szechtman portrays Hortensia's brother, Federico, offering a diluted, laid back performance that embodies the crippling struggle of being unable to change things for loved ones. Federico has his own issues, grappling with his budding sexuality and a complicated relationship with his family.

With a nuanced narrative that explores multiple aspects of human emotions and societal pressures, Hortensia is a moving exploration of love, loss, and identity, and the complexities that bind them together. Lublinsky and Urtizberea use subtle humor and wit to provoke thought about expectations surrounding commitment, responsibility, and self-discovery.

An intriguing feature of Hortensia is its wonderful storytelling. The creators successfully build compelling characters out of routine lives, exposing and openly discussing many vexing societal issues - unfulfilling relationships, broken families, repressed sexuality, and the societal pressure to conform. The characters feel distinctly human, their storylines narrated in a series of vignettes that feel like glimpses into real lives.

The movie also paints a vivid portrait of modern Argentina, blending in the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires' cityscape with a look at its quieter, everyday culture. Visually, Hortensia is a beautiful film that balances rich colors with dramatic shadowing to create a distinct tone and atmosphere that reflects its edgy narrative.

Camila Romagnolo delivers an exceptional performance as Hortensia, embodying with authenticity the role of a struggling, insecure woman trying to confront her societal issues. She brings to life Hortensia’s emotional roller-coasters, repressed desires, and on-going quest for acceptance that will surely make the audience empathize with her.

Agustin Scalise, as Hortensia’s boyfriend, skillfully depicts a man with a nonchalant attitude towards life and relationships, introducing a whimsy and quirkiness that serve as a stark contrast to Hortensia’s character.

David Szechtman deserves praise for his role as the submissive and soft-spoken Federico. His nuanced performance doesn't fail to leave an impression, speaking volumes about his character's adjustments and sacrifices in the pursuit of familial happiness.

On the whole, Hortensia is a deep-dive into the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and introspective examinations of one's self. It entails a profound exploration of individual identity in a world that constantly compels individuals to become something they are not. The movie leaves viewers pondering over their own life choices, relationships, and self-worth.

Anyone seeking a thought-provoking viewing experience that blends comedy, drama, and romance with societal commentary and introspective exploration should definitely consider Hortensia. With its potent storytelling approach, brilliant performances, and deep exploration of universal themes, Hortensia offers a beautifully skewed vision of familial, romantic, and personal turmoil that anyone can relate to.