A Quest for Connection

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Something Is About to Happen (Que nadie duerma)
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Genre: Horror, Romance, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2023, 2025
Runtime: 2h 2m
Director(s): Antonio Méndez Esparza
Writer(s): Antonio Méndez Esparza, Clara Roquet
Cast: Malena Alterio, Aitana Sánchez Gijón, José Luis Torrijo, Mariona Ribas, Rodrigo Poisón
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premieres on VOD, Digital & Film Movement Plus on February 14, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: In SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN, director Antonio Méndez Esparza teams up with screenwriter Clara Roquet to craft a story that explores the depths of human obsession and the quest for meaning. The narrative follows Lucía, portrayed by Malena Alterio, whose life takes an unforeseen turn after losing her job. This setback propels her into a journey of self-exploration as she becomes a taxi driver in Madrid, navigating both the city's streets and the tangle of her mind.

Lucía's metamorphosis becomes complex following a brief romantic encounter with her neighbor, Braulio, an actor with a love for opera. His abrupt disappearance leaves her longing for connection, leading her to hope for another meeting during her nightly taxi drives. This pursuit becomes central to her existence, intertwining with the challenges of caring for her ailing father and confronting the emptiness left by her previous career.

Esparza's adaptation of Juan José Millás' novel blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination, creating a narrative that shifts between the ordinary and the surreal. The film encourages viewers to question the nature of Lucía's experiences: Are they real events or the creations of a mind seeking escape from loneliness? This ambiguity adds depth to the storytelling, allowing for multiple interpretations of Lucía's journey.

Alterio delivers a compelling performance, infusing Lucía with vulnerability and determination. Alterio showcases her versatility, capturing the nuances of a woman teetering on the edge of reality. Her portrayal ensures that Lucía remains relatable, even as her actions become increasingly unorthodox.

The film's pacing reflects Lucía's internal state, with moments of quiet introspection punctuated by episodes of tension and unpredictability. This mirrors the ebb and flow of her mental landscape, drawing the audience into her world. The cinematography complements this approach, utilizing the urban backdrop of Madrid to underscore themes of isolation and anonymity.

However, the film's deliberate ambiguity may prove challenging for viewers. The fluidity between reality and fantasy can lead to disorientation, making it difficult to discern the true nature of Lucía's experiences. Additionally, while enriching the narrative, certain subplots and character interactions occasionally divert focus from the central storyline, potentially diluting its impact.

Despite these challenges, SOMETHING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. It delves into the stories we construct about ourselves and the lengths we go to find meaning in our lives. Lucía's journey is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between reality and illusion and the inherent human desire to seek connection and purpose amidst life's uncertainties.

Esparza's film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the complexities of the human psyche. Through Lucía's odyssey, viewers can reflect on their narratives and the obsessions that drive them. While the film's abstract approach may not resonate with everyone, it undeniably provides a rich array of themes and emotions for those willing to engage with its intricacies.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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