Emotions Run High in New Psychological Thriller

Read Time:3 Minute, 55 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Berta
–

Genre: Short, Thriller, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 17m
Director(s): Lucía Forner Segarra
Writer(s): Lucía Forner Segarra
Cast: Nerea Barros, Elías González, Thaïs Blume
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiered at the 2024 Fantasia Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Lucía Forner Segarra presents an enchanting and complex narrative in her latest cinematic endeavor. BERTA's concluding chapter of her trilogy is a nuanced exploration of psychological depth and sly humor. This film explores themes of vengeance and emotional healing, presenting a multifaceted look at the consequences of confronting one's past. The film's simplicity adds to its power; while I haven’t checked out the first two films, I can imagine how powerful the journey would be if they are on this same level.

Forner Segarra’s BERTA is a lesson in blending psychological drama with a hint of dark comedy, creating an engaging storyline that challenges viewers to reconsider their notions of justice and redemption. The film unfolds through flashbacks and present interactions, leading us deep into the protagonist’s emotional labyrinth. Nerea Barros, in a powerhouse performance as Berta, navigates the complex waters of revenge and vulnerability, making the character's journey a compelling narrative core.

Elías González, as Alex, offers a substantial balance to Barros’ intensity. He portrays a man whose past misdeeds have come back in a haunting, unexpected manner. Their on-screen chemistry is evident, adding layers to the film’s exploration of personal history and its long shadows. The nuanced performances anchor the film’s thematic concerns, riveting the psychological interplay between characters.

Under Patricia Chica as executive producer, BERTA shines with its polished aesthetics and sharp narrative structure. Chica’s knack for marrying in-your-face and low-key horror elements with fantastical storytelling infuses the film with an otherworldly quality that enhances its thematic reach. Her input is evident, amplifying the film's emotional and visual impact.

Her scholarly background in film further underscores Forner Segarra’s directorial prowess. With a keen eye for detail, she crafts scenes that are as thought-provoking as they are visually engaging. Her insights into audiovisual communication and cinematography breathe life into BERTA, ensuring that the film not only entertains but also invites viewers to engage with complex moral questions.

Thais Blume’s cameo cleverly links BERTA to Segarra’s earlier works, adding a meta-layer to the narrative. This enriches the film's universe and offers longtime followers a nod to the director's evolving thematic and visual motifs. This strategic link underscores the continuity and growth within Segarra’s filmography.

The debut of BERTA at the Fantasia International Film Festival could not be more fitting. Known for celebrating unique and boundary-pushing cinema, the festival is the ideal platform for the film’s innovative storytelling and intricate character dynamics. It promises broad exposure and a receptive audience eager for films that push the envelope in genre and narrative.

BERTA transcends the typical revenge narrative, offering a sophisticated exploration of trauma, justice, and the difficult path toward understanding and closure. The film, a collaborative feat between Lucía Forner Segarra and Patricia Chica, is a testament to the power of cinema to explore deep-seated human emotions and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. It’s a narrative that resonates on multiple levels, ensuring its place as a notable conclusion to an impactful trilogy.

@Forner_Lucia
#BERTAFilm

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[photo courtesy of FLIRT FILMS]

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