By Amanda Gilmore
El agua follows mature 17-year-old Ana (Luna Pamies) who lives with her mother (BĂĄrbara Lennie) and grandmother (Nieve De Medina) in a small Spanish town near the Segura River. The town legend is that when the river floods every few decades it takes a woman who has recently fallen in love with it. During this hot summer, a storm is on the horizon warning of a flood. And when Ana falls in love, she begins feeling the water within her.
Director Elena LĂłpez Riera shoots with realism while telling a story weaved in the surreal. The true legend LĂłpez Riera uses in her narrative brings in the realist aspect. There are times when people are interviewed, Documentary style, and they speak of their experiences with the water. This feeds into the realist style sheâs going for. However, these stories aid in making the surrealist aspects of the story feel natural to the narrative.
At the Filmâs core is a story about gender and power. What first feels like a story of young summer love turns into a powerful coming-of-age story about a woman claiming her power. We are strapped into Anaâs summer of discovery, whether she be working at her motherâs bar or spending time with her friends and romantic interest. First-time Actor Pamies turns in a performance of a seasoned actor. Making her one to watch.
El agua screens as follows at TIFF â22:
Thu, Sep 8 IN-PERSON at Scotiabank Theatre at 6:30 pm
Sat, Sep 10 IN-PERSON at Scotiabank Theatre at 6:35 pm
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com