No matter how much you love them, relationships with family members are not easy. The toughest and most trying of these tend to be with a parent. But in the end, family is often the one thing upon which a person can rely.
"Solas (Alone)," the new film from writer and director Benito Zambrano, deals with the complicated and fragile relationship between a lonely woman named Maria (Ana Fernandez) and her mother (Maria Galiana) and father (Paco De Osca).
As the movie begins, both of Maria's parents are in the hospital. Though she is sick and should remain there, Maria's mother won't stay. She goes to stay with Maria while her husband remains in the hospital.
Maria's relationship with her mother isn't great. Her mother clearly cares tremendously for her but Maria shuts her out and they haven't seen each other much over the years. Maria's father has nothing but harsh words for her and doesn't like the fact that his wife stays there.
Causing more problems for Maria is her job and her boyfriend Juan (Juan Fernandez). Though we learn that Maria is quite smart, her father wouldn't let her go to school and she hates her job (cleaning an office building full of rich people). Juan, on other hand, has gotten her pregnant but doesn't want a serious commitment or for her to have the child.
Also figuring into the picture is a man (Carlos Alvarez-Novoa) that lives near Maria. He is an old widower and he grows to like both Maria and her mother. The man comes to play an important role in both their lives.
The central theme in "Solas" is loneliness. Maria is sad and drinks too much, upset that the man she loves is a jerk that doesn't care for her. Her mother has for a long time been treated poorly by her husband, an abusive alcoholic. The old neighbor has lived alone for years and yearns for companionship. Everyone is lonely.
Though it doesn't break any new ground, "Solas" features a perceptive and intelligent script as well as excellent performances from the entire cast. It doesn't sugarcoat things and deals with serious issues honestly. There are many genuinely touching moments and for a lot of people it will hit close to home. You'll be reminded the importance of loved ones in your life.
Grade: B+
"Solas" is now showing at the Oriental Theatre.
