Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón became an important name in world cinema after her film Alcarràs won the top prize at the Berlin Film Festival. She is known for making quiet, emotional films that focus on family relationships and everyday life. However, her latest film Romeria, though deeply personal and ambitious, does not fully live up to that reputation.
Romeria unfolds slowly and is divided into chapters. The film follows Marina, played beautifully by newcomer Llúcia Garcia. Marina wants to apply for a scholarship to study cinema, but she cannot do so because her official documents are incomplete. While checking her paperwork, she discovers something shocking — her father’s name is missing from family records.
This discovery pushes Marina on a journey to understand her past, her parents, and ultimately herself. She visits her father’s side of the family, hoping to find answers. But instead of clarity, she finds contradictions, silence, and emotional distance. Only her uncle Lois (played by Tristán Ulloa) and his family show some kindness toward her.
The film quietly explores memory, identity, family secrets, and unresolved trauma. Simón draws heavily from her own life, giving the story an autobiographical feel. Marina’s search slowly turns into a reflection on Spain’s past, especially touching upon the AIDS crisis.
The film is visually beautiful, thanks to the gentle and elegant camerawork by Hélène Louvart. One of the strongest elements is the voiceover of Marina’s mother’s diary, which helps us understand Marina’s inner world and emotions. These moments add warmth and depth to the film.
Despite its strong intentions, Romeria struggles to hold everything together. The emotional payoff in the final act does not feel fully earned. When Marina finally gets answers, the moment lacks impact. The film also touches on substance abuse, but does not explore it deeply or thoughtfully.
While Simón looks back at the past, the film does not connect personal memories to a larger social or economic context. This makes the story feel incomplete and emotionally distant at times.
Romeria has moments of beauty, honesty, and emotional strength. It is thoughtful and reflective, but also uneven and hesitant. Carla Simón clearly understands the weight of the past, but the film does not fully confront its complexities or conflicts.
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