MOVIE REVIEW
They Will Be Dust (Polvo serán)
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Genre: Drama, Musical
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): Carlos Marques-Marcet
Writer(s): Coral Cruz, Carlos Marques-Marcet, Clara Roquet
Cast: Ángela Molina, Alfredo Castro, Mònica Almirall Batet, Patrícia Bargalló, Alván Prado
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

RAVING REVIEW: THEY WILL BE DUST crafts a poignant narrative under director Carlos Marqués-Marcet's nuanced direction. It successfully melds the elements of drama into profound existential themes. As the storyline unfolds, it doesn't just walk you through the lives of its characters—it carries us, weaving the emotion with the aesthetic.

Ángela Molina portrays Claudia, a woman who, upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, decides not to let destiny control her final days. Instead, she reaches out to ensure that her wishes are taken into account in Switzerland, joined by her devoted partner Flavio, portrayed with deep sincerity by Alfredo Castro. Their journey is a testament to their enduring love and a shared commitment to face their final chapter together as they decide to end their lives on their terms.

The screenplay, penned by Marqués-Marcet, Clara Roquet, and Coral Cruz, navigates the complex emotional landscape of its characters with precision and depth. It enriches the film's narrative by interspersing poignant sequences and a captivating musical score, enhancing the story's surreal beauty and mirroring the protagonists' tumultuous emotions.

At the heart of their journey is Violeta (Mònica Almirall,) the daughter caught between her parents' unwavering plans and the impending void their departure will create. Almirall brings Violeta to life, capturing the weight of familial expectations and personal grief with a performance that adds complexity to the film's examination of family dynamics in crisis.

Under the adept direction of Marqués-Marcet, the film handles its weighty themes with a delicate touch, allowing for deeply authentic performances, especially in the interactions between Molina and Castro. Their chemistry transcends the screen, pulling the audience into their shared history and palpable bond.

Beyond mere storytelling, the screenplay invites viewers to ponder more profound questions about life, death, and what we leave behind. Infused with subtle humor, the writing lightens the narrative's gravity while engaging the audience in a reflective dialogue about existence and its fleeting nature.

The supporting cast, portraying the adult siblings and their varied reactions to the family crisis, paints a vivid picture of emotional diversity and complexity. Their performances resonate with authenticity, reflecting broader societal themes about autonomy and our choices at life’s end. While these characters are more of placeholders, they still play into the larger story and what these heavier themes mean.

This film marks a significant milestone in Marqués-Marcet’s career. It tackles complex, existential themes with artistic finesse. Its selection for the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and collaboration with acclaimed producers point to high expectations and critical acclaim on the horizon.

THEY WILL BE DUST transcends its cinematic form to offer a profound exploration of human emotions and the existential dilemmas that define our existence. Through its engaging script, stellar direction, and compelling performances, the film leaves an indelible mark on its audience, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the poignant beauty of saying goodbye on one's terms.

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[photo courtesy of LASTOR MEDIA, KINO PRODUZIONI, ALINA FILM]

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