MOVIE REVIEW
The Masterpiece (La Gran Obra)
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 20m
Director(s): Àlex Lora
Writer(s): Alfonso Amador, Lluís Quílez
Cast: Daniel Grao, Melina Matthews, Babou Cham, Adam Nourou, Guido Grao
Language: Spanish, Mandinka, English, French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, www.festival.sundance.org; view more information here www.mailukifilms.com

RAVING REVIEW: THE MASTERPIECE, directed by Àlex Lora-Cercos, is like walking into an ordinary world brimming with tension and intrigue. Set in and around a recycling center, this film transforms an everyday location into a canvas for a riveting drama, blending elements of mystery and reality. It's a cinematic journey that grabs your attention from the start and keeps you hooked with its intelligent narrative.

Here, a wealthy couple, Leo (Daniel Grao) and Diana (Melina Matthews,) cross paths with Salif (Babou Cham) and Yousef (Adam Nourou,) two scrap dealers. This seemingly mundane encounter opens Pandora's box of social dynamics and veiled intentions, gradually building a gripping tension scene by scene. The film was accompanied by a simple yet compelling score that will leave you on edge.

Lora-Cercos infuses the film with nuanced storytelling and themes into a condensed and accessible narrative. His track record of seven Emmys and two Gaudí Awards is a testament to his directorial finesse. In THE MASTERPIECE, he continues to showcase his talent for creating thought-provoking and emotionally engaging films.

The casting in THE MASTERPIECE is a highlight, demonstrating a unique skill in assembling a cast that brings depth to their characters. Grao and Matthews bring complexity to their roles with a silent expression. At the same time, Cham and Nourou deliver performances that are nothing short of powerful. The chemistry among the cast lends authenticity to the film, making their interactions believable and impactful.

The film's score is a crucial player in setting the mood. Composed of understated string arrangements and subtle percussion, it lays down a foundation of suspense that perfectly complements the unfolding narrative. As the plot thickens, the score becomes a narrative device mirroring the characters' emotions and the escalating tension. A repetitive, loud, and heartening score that makes its presence known.

In terms of visual storytelling, THE MASTERPIECE shines. Lora-Cercos employs various camera techniques to enhance the film's suspense and intrigue. The use of claustrophobic shots and close-ups that add intensity and fire to the scene without having to say anything is incredible.

THE MASTERPIECE examines themes of perception and value, resonating with contemporary societal issues. Lora-Cercos uses the characters' interactions to explore how status and worth fluctuate depending on the context. The film concludes on an open-ended note, encouraging viewers to contemplate the real-world implications of the story, thereby making it a thought-provoking watch.

Despite facing constraints in budget and time, Lora-Cercos showcases his ability to innovate and adapt under pressure. His decision to include multiple languages adds an unconscious depth to viewing the film and the narrative, deepening the thematic exploration.

THE MASTERPIECE is a thoughtfully crafted journey into the complexities of human relationships set against a backdrop of ordinary life. Although the narrative might initially disorient, it slowly unravels a multifaceted story that stays with the viewer long after the movie ends. Lora-Cercos has created a visual and reflective journey.

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[photo courtesy of EUPHORIA PRODUCTIONS]

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