Maria [y los demas] [Maria and Everyone Else] ESP

Maria and Everyone Else is a Spanish movie that beautifully blends drama and comedy to create a compelling narrative about modern womanhood, independence, unfulfilled dreams, and the journey of self-discovery. The story is centered around the 35-year-old protagonist, Maria, who has spent her whole life taking care of her widowed father and sibling, sacrificing her dreams and desires. The story takes turn when her father decides to wed his nurse, leaving Maria to confront her fears, doubts, loneliness and question her life's purpose.

Directorially crafted by Nely Reguera, the film brilliantly unfolds Maria's character, giving her a realness and pathos that’s identifiable to most women. The movie inherently centers on the larger societal conventions, norms and expectations that constantly burden a woman, irrespective of her individuality. Displaying a female lead in her mid-thirties, living her life on her own terms, and unapologetically single; challenges the stereotype of the roles women are expected to fulfil; wife, mother, or the provider.

The protagonist, Maria, portrayed meticulously by the talented Spanish actress, Barbara Lennie, transitions through the unfolding drama and mundane miseries of her life with silent strength and resilience. Her performance lends an authentic touch to her character. As she meanders through the circumstances of her life, Maria's struggles and her journey draws you in, making you part of the emotional roller coaster that she experiences.

The story is set in the quaint Galician city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, with backdrop of cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque scenery. The film makes good use of its location to reinforce the narrative. There is a calmness and slow pace that come with the setting, reflecting Maria's stagnance and inertia.

When her responsibilities are suddenly lifted, she falls into a void, facing an existential crisis without a plan or purpose. The film explores Maria's passion for cooking and her attempts to venture into her own catering service, her efforts to attend a life-coaching seminar to find a direction, and her explorations in dating. As a spectator, you traverse her obstacles, heartbreaks, and small victories, rooting for her as she comes to terms with her new reality and strives to build her own life.

The movie skillfully introduces other characters that make Maria's hourney more nuanced and varied. These include her younger, more successful and married sister, her absentee brother, her closely attached friend who sees the world differently, her ex-fling

who refuses to commit, to a man she meets at the seminar. All these characters play a role in Maria's journey in a meaningful way, serving as a mirror to her own insecurities and complexities.

Through subtle humor, Reguera takes us through Maria's transition, from a life of selflessness to a life dedicated to self-care and self-discovery. The screenplay written by Reguera along with Valentina Viso, and Roger Sogues, offers a humble yet profound insight into Maria's life. The narrative, although not packed with high action or intense drama, leaves a profound impact on the viewer. The cinematography by Júlia Juaniz adds to the narrative, with the beautiful use of nature and the cityscape, capturing the essence of Maria's life and struggle.

“Maria and Everyone else” is a delightful and thought-provoking journey of self-discovery. Not only does it take a stark look at societal expectations for women but it also challenges taboos around age and loneliness. The film serves as a beacon of hope, showing that it's never too late to confront one's anxieties, to step out of one's shell, and to carve out an authentic life for oneself.

Overall, Maria and Everyone Else is a movie exhibiting excellent writing, immaculate performances, nuanced character profiling, beautiful cinematography, and a subtle yet impactful narrative. Whether or not you're in your 30s, single, or grappling with a mid-life existential crisis, Maria and Everyone else is sure to leave you moved and inspired.