MOVIE REVIEW
You Are Not Me (Tú no eres yo)
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Marisa Crespo, Moisés Romera
Writer(s): Marisa Crespo, Moisés Romera
Cast: Roser Tapias, Jorge Motos, Pilar Almería, Álvaro Báguena, Alfred Picó, Anna Kurika, Pilar Martínez, Yapoena Silva
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Where To Watch: arrives in select theaters and digital on December 6, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: As Aitana (Roser Tapias) steps into her childhood home after years away, she expects hugs and laughter but is met with frosty glances and a disquieting sense of displacement. Visiting with her partner Gabi (Yapoena Silva) and their son. Once a harbor of fond memories, the house hosts a mysterious new member—Nadia (Anna Kurikka,) a refugee who has unsettled Aitana's place within the family. This twist of events sets the stage for YOU ARE NOT ME, a psychological thriller that captivates with its story of deep family tensions and the alienation one feels within one's own home.

Directed with a sharp eye for suspense by Marisa Crespo and Moisés Romera, the film plays on the dual themes of grandeur and claustrophobia. The opulent family villa, with its shadowy corridors and chilly rooms, contrasts starkly against the festive decorations, highlighting Aitana’s growing isolation amidst the supposed warmth of family reunion season. Víctor Entrecanales' cinematography captures these contrasts, adding a visual depth that enhances the chilling atmosphere.

Tapias brings Aitana to life with a layered, vulnerable, and resilient performance. As she carries her story through the emotional turmoil of feeling like a stranger in her own home, Tapias' portrayal makes viewers empathize with her, pulling them into the psychological undercurrents of the film. Her interactions reveal a web of secrets she must untangle while questioning her story and reality.

This film portrays Aitana's inner turmoil as she confronts the unspoken grievances and secrets that have festered during her absence. Her return disrupts the superficial peace and forces every family member to confront their complicity in the silence that pervaded her youth. This confrontation catalyzes a more profound transformation within Aitana, challenging her to redefine what home truly means to her.

The auditory backdrop of the film, crafted by Joan Vilà, plays a pivotal role in building the suspense. His score, with eerie choral pieces, underscores the tension, making the family's cold demeanor and Nadia’s enigmatic presence even more unsettling. The music aligns perfectly with the film’s mood, reinforcing the themes of estrangement and hidden discord without overwhelming the narrative.

YOU ARE NOT ME balances its thrilling elements with a deep dive into the complexities of identity and belonging. While the film navigates through some predictable moments, these do not overshadow its capacity to engage and provoke thought. It challenges viewers to reconsider what makes a home a sanctuary—not the walls and windows, but the relationships and memories shared within them.

This film is a compelling exploration of the shadows lurking in family ties and the lengths one might go to reclaim one's sense of self. Crespo and Romera deliver a story that is as much about past hauntings as it is about the spectral presence of the unknown in our lives. With standout performances and a gripping plot, YOU ARE NOT ME is a cinematic journey that resonates with anyone who has ever felt alienated in a place that should feel the most familiar.

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[photo courtesy of DOPPELGANGER RELEASING, MUSIC BOX FILMS]

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