Educational Media Reviews Online

It is fairly typical for humans to covet things that are not ours. There is an inherent mystery about other people’s possessions and an allure to what it must feel like to be in another person’s shoes. For some, that intrigue becomes desire and dictates how they deal with the temptation of taking it, despite knowing the difference between right and wrong. Spider Thieves (Niñas Araña) dives into the lives of three teenage girls who give into their itch for the chance to escape the ramshackle reality of their broken home lives.

It is 1999 in Chile. The city is divided, one side filled with shiny skyscrapers and wonderful parks while the other is littered with shacks held together by wood, nails, and stray metal. The rich and successful stay on their side, frequenting shopping malls and taking in the sunset from pool filled balconies. The poor struggle to survive, bartering amongst each other daily for a simple meal. Children roam the streets at all hours of the day, faced with the harsh reality of having to grow up too fast. This is Toma Modelo de Peñalolen, the site where 13-year olds Avi, Estefany, and Cindy dream up an adventurous escape for real.

For the young girls, temptations are endless. They all have their individual desires stemming from immaturity and a taste for fame. In order to satisfy these cravings, they begin to bus to the other side of town. What begins with stealing clothing quickly evolves to scaling high rise apartment buildings. Danger contributes to the appeal of breaking into a flat and taking whatever they want. With the girls left uninhibited, the viewer is shown what the girls covet to fill certain voids in their lives. Getting caught is nowhere near being a concern when there is a whole other life to explore and exploit. To some, they end up becoming heroines, similar to that of Robin Hood.

Director Guillermo Helo does a masterful job of using the scenes to build his characters. The screenplay invokes countless emotion from the viewer, prompting one to ask what they would do in a similar situation. What appears to be a simple story of “haves and have nots” is actually a tale of young women battling identity, social status, and shame. The girls learn that even though they lust to walk in someone else’s shoes, they will not always fit.

This film will be a powerful addition to any academic library, especially one with a focus on sociology, global economy, and women’s studies. In addition, the film would benefit a younger audience in high schools alongside the general population. Viewers should take into account some use of strong language, sexual situations, and drug abuse.

Awards:

Viña Del Mar Film Festival, Best Project, Industry Section 2017; Ventana Sur, Winner- Habanero & Sin Sistema Work-In-Progress Awards 2017; BUFF International Film Festival, Winner – Best Director 2018