MOVIE REVIEW
Rita
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Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 47m
Director(s): Jayro Bustamante
Writer(s): Jayro Bustamante
Cast: Giuliana Santa Cruz, Alejandra Vasquez, Ángela Quevedo, Isabel Aldana, Sabrina De La Hoz, Margarita Kénefic, Maria Telón
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: streaming on Shudder November 22, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the directorial limelight, Jayro Bustamante orchestrates a tale of fantasy and chaos with RITA, where he weaves a grim slice of Guatemalan history with threads of vivid journey. This film revisits the heartbreak of a 2017 catastrophe where innocence was lost in flames at a government-run safe home. Through the lens of the young and resilient Rita, portrayed with intensity by Giuliana Santa Cruz, Bustamante explores themes of survival and defiance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Rita's journey from a troubled home life to the repressive confines of an orphanage paints a picture of a young girl's relentless quest for freedom. The orphanage, which is supposed to be a sanctuary, is another battleground. Here, alongside her fellow “inmates”—each garbed in costumes of angels and fairies—Rita finds solace in a shared fantasy, which they wield as both a shield and a subtle weapon against their grim realities.

The use of magical realism in the narrative serves as more than just an aesthetic choice; it is a vital storytelling tool that Bustamante employs to delve deep into the inner worlds of these young characters. Each scene carefully juxtaposes the harsh truths of their lives against the fantastical elements they embrace to cope with their surroundings. The film's visual narrative, crafted by cinematographer Inti Briones, accentuates this duality. Employing a broad aspect ratio and a palette of muted tones, Briones enhances the immersive experience, drawing the audience deeper into the contrasting realms of oppressive shadows and fleeting beauty.

Casting primarily non-professional actors adds an authentic layer to the film, with performances that resonate with genuine emotion and vulnerability. Notably, Ángela Quevedo and Alejandra Vásquez, as Sulmy and Bebé, respectively, deliver standout performances that embody the strength and innocence necessary to navigate their harsh reality. Their portrayals anchor the film’s fantastical elements with a palpable connection that viewers can see and feel.

RITA doesn't mask the darker aspects of its setting. The film confronts the brutal reality of the orphanage, where the very individuals meant to protect become predators. This candid depiction of institutional abuse challenges the viewer to acknowledge and reflect on the severe implications of such a betrayal of trust.

As the narrative unfolds, the tension escalates under Bustamante's direction, culminating in a finale that mirrors the real-life tragedy and profoundly comments on the systemic failures it exposes. While dramatic, this buildup is also a moment of critical introspection for the audience, prompted to contemplate the broader societal flaws depicted.

The film, a mighty achievement in indie cinema, showcases Bustamante's ability to navigate complex cultural and thematic landscapes. It addresses specific social issues in Guatemala and resonates with universal themes of human endurance and resilience.

RITA transcends its boundaries, offering an exploration into the enduring human spirit through the eyes of those yearning for escape from dire circumstances. It promises to transform and engage its audience, ensuring that the impact of its narrative lingers long after the viewing experience.

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[photo courtesy of SHUDDER]

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