One in a Thousand

One in a Thousand is a 2020 coming-of-age drama film, directed by Clarisa Navas and featuring promising performances by Sofia Cabrera, Ana Carolina Garcia, and Mauricio Vila. It's an Argentinian movie that is based in Corrientes, a province in northern Argentina, and is mainly driven by its characters and the exploration of their everyday lives, with specific focus on the often undiscussed and marginalized aspects of society.

From the outset, One in a Thousand conveys a sense of authenticity that is delicately balanced with the complexities of contemporary urban life. The film follows the life of Iris (played by Sofia Cabrera), a vibrant teenager who has turned her life around after a series of youthful missteps. Iris spends her days surrounded by her close-knit group of friends and her brother René, symbolizing the importance of community and relationships in her evolutionary path.

Iris’s life takes an exciting turn when she crosses paths with a mysterious and enigmatic girl, Renata (played by Ana Carolina Garcia). The film does an excellent job of keeping you at the edge of your seat, wondering whether Renata is the troublemaker her reputation makes her out to be, or whether she might be the catalyst that propels Iris to new heights.

Through these moments of tension and excitement, the film delineates the blurry lines between friendship, love, and lust, with romance asserting itself in peculiar and unexpected places. The film's idea of the pursuit of acceptance, personal revelation, and home, takes on a new shape as the characters try to blend into their neighborhood.

One of the aspects that make One in a Thousand stand out as a film is its authentic representation of LGBTQ+ community and the way it portrays same-sex relationship between Iris and Renata. Unlike many films that steep in clichés, it tells a relatable and touching story of young, same-sex love and the struggles it encounters in a society that is less than understanding of such relationships.

This relationship isn't just a one-dimensional love interest developed for dramatic effect, it's painted with the moral shades of gray that are typically encountered in such situations. They must navigate their relationship through the labyrinth of their fragile youthful egos, societal pressures, and the threat of violence that hangs over the LGBTQ+ community.

A supporting character worth mentioning is the character of René, Iris's supportive older brother played by Mauricio Vila. René adds to the depth and emotional domain of the script. The bond between the two siblings gives a warm texture to the storyline, and this relationship aids in further defining Iris's character for the audience.

Visually, One in a Thousand is a treat, exploiting the run-down beauty of its neighborhood setting. The camera work shines in telling a story of its own, sometimes lingering on seemingly insignificant details only to reveal their substantial importance later on. Navas’s direction combined with seasoned cinematography makes for an engaging watch, from start to end.

Sonically, the film does an impeccable job of layering the story with a soundtrack that fits in seamlessly with the ups and downs of Iris's life. The music adds to the emotion and intensity of key sequences, and at times, it takes center stage to drive the narrative forward.

One in a Thousand is a poignant and stirring journey deep into the seldom-explored territories of LGBTQ+ relationships, friendship, sibling love, and the harsh reality of modern disobedience, all while providing a ringside view of a society that is quick to judge and slow to accept. The movie is a reflection of its director, Clarisa Navas's refined narrative and perspective on matters that generally receive no more than a superficial treatment by mainstream cinema.

In conclusion, One in a Thousand is an engaging and emotionally loaded movie that is well worth a watch. The authenticity of the characters, the depth of their relationships, and the carefully masterminded story arc come together to create a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. The performances by Sofia Cabrera, Ana Carolina Garcia, and Mauricio Vila are brilliantly delivered, showcasing these talented actors' ability to convey an array of emotions and work seamlessly together.