Love is love.
This is the ultimate message of A Fantastic Woman, a beautiful narrative film, written and directed by Sebastian Lelio, which explores themes of acceptance, survival, empathy and resilience of the spirit. It also explores how love is conceived and perceived, whether through the narrow lens of Orlando’s family, or through the openness of Orlando and Marina.
The film follows the close relationship between Marina (Daniela Vega) and Orlando (Fransico Reyes). Opening on Marina singing in a salsa band; the mood is light, and fun. Her lover and partner, Orlando, watches her from the sidelines. They have a close, loving, sexy bond.
When Orlando dies from a sudden brain haemorrhage, Marina’s life, motivations and entire existence comes under threat. She is treated with contempt by Orlando’s family, abused by his son, barred from his funeral, and viewed with suspicion by the investigator of Orlando’s death. She, her grief and loss, are cast aside.
This is because Marina is transgender.
The world that Marina Vidal inhabits is judgemental, unjust and isolating. The perception of love held by Orlando’s family is narrow, and their treatment of Marina cold and cruel. The one saving grace in Orlando’s family is his brother, Gabo (Luis Gnecco), the only family member to show sympathy for Marina. But even his support is weak and ineffectual against the actions of his family.
Marina, however, is not afraid to stand up for herself. She is a resilient woman who loves Orlando deeply. The love between Orlando and Marina is strong and their relationship passionate, committed and harmonious. And even in death, Orlando appears to Marina and guides her.
The character of Marina is played to perfection by Daniela Vega, a talented actress and singer, who also happens to be transgender. Daniela plays the role of Marina with strength, humanity and humility. Through her, we feel empathy for Marina’s plight and humiliating treatment at the hands of Orlando’s family.
An important part of the film is Marina’s progression from singer in a band to a confident and professional singer who is sure of herself and her talent. Ms Vega’s soprano voice is pure, strong and a joy to hear, and she portrays this part of the role incredibly well.
Fransico Reyes plays Orlando with authenticity and maturity. Both Vega and Reyes are well supported by an incredible cast. Particular standouts are Bruno (Nicolas Saavedra) who’s impressive portrayal of the hard-done-by son is cruelty itself, while Aline Kuppenheim plays Orlando’s first wife Sonia, with a cold disgust that belies her feelings of betrayal.
While the central character is a transgender woman, the film does more than just examine the treatment of transgender woman by a heteronormative society. It is also a romantic drama, a deep exploration of family, a film about humiliation and revenge, and above all, a timely reminder of the continual existence of love in all its forms.
A Fantastic Woman was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film in the 2018 Academy Awards and Best Motion Picture (Foreign Language) in the 2018 Golden Globe Awards.
Gillian Crowhurst – On The Town & Theatre Now
