Carla Simón’s Romería: A Vivid Exploration of Identity and Memory
Catalan filmmaker Carla Simón delivers another poignant tale of self-discovery in her latest film, Romería. Following the immense success of her previous work, Alcarràs—which clinched the Golden Bear at the Berlinale and graced over 90 film festivals—Romería takes a more introspective journey. This cinematic treasure dives into the depths of Simón’s own Catalan family history, blending personal narratives with universal themes of loss and belonging.
Unraveling the Past: A Journey to Vigo
Set in 2004, the narrative unfolds as the youthful Marina (skillfully portrayed by Llucia Garcia) sets foot in Vigo, Galicia. Here, she encounters a labyrinth of family relationships, including numerous cousins, aunts, and her paternal grandparents. Raised in Barcelona after her mother relocated following her birth, Marina’s existence is marked by absence: her father passed away when she was just an infant and her mother succumbed to AIDS when Marina was only 11. Their struggles with heroin have left indelible scars on her life, shaping the poignant quest she embarks upon.
Marina’s primary objective is to obtain a sworn statement from her grandparents that would affirm her paternity, a crucial step in claiming educational assistance as an orphan. However, beneath this bureaucratic need lies a deeper yearning: a desire for shared memories and connections long severed.
The Whisper of the Diary: A Guide to the Unknown
Central to Marina’s exploration is her mother’s diary, an intimate roadmap to a past she yearns to piece together. The diary beckons her to uncover the apartment where her parents resided, the coastal boat trips to Portugal, and the sun-drenched beaches where they once reveled in post-Franco freedom.
Dressed in her mother’s old attire, Marina resembles Alice in Wonderland, navigating through her family’s seaside labyrinth. Dreamlike sequences transport us into the nostalgic realm of her parents’ youth, yet the diary conceals as much as it reveals—its front cover adorned with the child’s command, “Don’t even think about reading this!”
Shadows of Secrets: An Ensemble of Characters
The intimacy of Romería captures the duality of light and darkness through its cinematography. While interiors are cast in shadows against brilliant windows, the story shines in other regards. Secrets linger, but they remain elusive—sometimes it seems even the relatives have forgotten the particulars of Marina’s father, Fon, leaving her grasping at straws and half-formed memories.
Garcia’s performance as Marina is nothing short of extraordinary. With a facial expressiveness mirroring the sea she grows to love—one moment childlike, the next steeped in melancholy—she captivates the audience effortlessly. Yet, her relatives, despite their vibrant group dynamics, lack the individual depth that would elevate them beyond mere background characters.
The Long Road to Understanding: Themes of Generational Conflict
At its core, Romería reflects on generational conflicts, particularly the older generation’s struggle to comprehend the reckless abandon of their children, who severed ties with traditional conservative values. This tension forms a poignant backdrop, yet much of it is felt only as subtext.
Despite Simón’s meticulous structure, the narrative can sometimes feel unfocused, echoing Marina’s own frustrations. The film concludes without fully unraveling Marina’s life prior to her arrival in Vigo or shedding light on the adoptive mother who remains a ghostly presence, sending texts but never really bridging the gaps.
A Compelling But Cumbersome Journey
Romería radiates warmth and evokes nostalgia, but it also hints at untold stories that weigh down the cinematic experience. While Simón skillfully reaches significant thematic points, the journey sometimes feels like treading through wet sand, slowing the momentum with myriad loose threads.
This film, while rich in depth, leaves viewers yearning for more clarity. It invites introspection about the complexities of family legacy, the intricate tapestry of memory, and the unyielding quest for identity amid the echoes of the past.
Title: Romería
Festival: Cannes (Competition)
Director/Screenwriter: Carla Simón
Cast: Llúcia Garcia, Tristán Ulloa, Mitch Martin, Sara Casasnovas
Sales Agent: MK2
Running Time: 1 hr 55 mins
In conclusion, Romería is a remarkable film that, despite its narrative loose ends, challenges viewers to ponder their own familial ties and the stories that shape us. It’s a testament to Carla Simón’s skill in intertwining her personal history with broader themes, creating a cinematic experience that resonates on multiple levels.
For more on Carla Simón’s work, check out this insightful piece on her filmography here.
