Educational Media Reviews Online

A story told in three parts about two childhood friends, This Is Cristina explores relationship dynamics over time, and how quickly events and choices can define the trajectory of our lives.

Cristina is an artist in the midst of a separation from a self-centered husband with whom she is still enamored, so she holds out hope they will get back together. Susana has a directness that frequently crosses over into rudeness, which alienates her and prevents her from connecting with people despite seemingly wanting to. However inexpert she may be at her own love affairs, Susana is perceptive enough about Cristina’s husband to be critical of his behavior and tries to save her friend heartache by calling him out. But Cristina resents Susana’s interference, and it leads to an estrangement. Susana soon regrets pushing Cristina (and others) away, but her repentance is too little too late and she finds herself alone.

Seeking inspiration, Cristina takes a playwriting and acting class, where she meets other creative people – including her teacher who exhibits even more extreme versions of the unhealthy traits of her ex. Volatile, cruel, charismatic, and demanding, Cristina is nevertheless drawn to him. Either blind to or in defiance of the red flags – and without her friend’s guidance – she is drawn closer into his tumultuous orbit. Susana also finds herself contending with people in her life with poor boundaries and selfish motives – her parents. After her mother leaves for an indeterminate length of time with a new boyfriend, leaving Susana to take care of a house and property, Susana’s father visits. Having irreparably damaged his own credit, he sees an opportunity to exploit her clean credit history, and pressures her into cosigning a loan with him. Wanting to be supportive, she agrees - her quiet instincts of hesitation overruled by her persuasive elder. Meanwhile Cristina finally succumbs to the advances of her teacher despite the unlikelihood of a successful future together.

Eventually we see both Cristina and Susana grappling with the irreversible consequences of their choices. Cristina is pregnant with the teacher’s child, but the relationship has already begun its inevitable decline - corroding with lies, lack of passion, mistrust, and emotional manipulation. Cristina sees the signs of deterioration but presents a front of optimism. Only in her work does she truly express herself. At the same time Susana’s financial solvency is quickly declining and she is being called incessantly by debt collectors, because her father has not made the payments on the loan as he promised. Finally, Cristina reaches out to Susana, and they reconnect. In the end, when Cristina is faced with an important decision on the cusp of the next chapter in her life, it is Susana who is there to support her. Having gained experience and new perspectives in their adulthood, both Cristina and Susana realize the one person who will protect and love them as they face the future, is the other.

This Chilean film is in Spanish with English subtitles. Written and directed by Gonzalo Maza, he has cited John Cassavetes and Jim Jarmusch as influences on the film’s style - but in the credits, you will also find thanks to Francis Ford Coppola, Walter Murch, and David Shire. The script is supported by strong performances, lovely black and white cinematography by Benjamín Echazarreta, and a prepossessing soundtrack including music by Cristobal Carvajal. The film lists nine producers including Salma Hayek.

As with many Pragda titles, this film is accompanied by a thoughtful study guide to inspire discussion about its style, narrative, and themes. It is recommended as a fine addition to studies of Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s Studies especially.

Awards:
2020 Miami Film Festival, Winner, Jordan Ressler First Feature Award; HBO Ibero-American Competition, Nominee, Best Film

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