Over the weekend, I saw two unforgettable films of exceptional artistry, each profoundly transformative: Elisa y Marcela, based on the true story of Spain’s first same-sex marriage in 1901; and Origin, the biographical drama based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Isabel Wilkerson’s book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, which describes racism in the U.S. as a caste system. This week, I’ll offer reviews of each, and thoughts on their personal impact.

synopsis

In the year 1901, Elisa Sanchez Loriga embarked on a daring journey by assuming the identity of a man—Mario Sanchez—to marry Marcela Gracia Ibeas, her beloved of fifteen years. Their union marked the first recorded same-sex marriage in Spain, a tale brought to life in this powerful and visually stunning film.

review

Elisa y Marcela is a cinematic masterpiece with superb cinematography that transports the viewer to a bygone era. Filmed in black and white, with long, deliberate shots reminiscent of the work of photographers Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, the film is a visual poetry of striking proportions.

This narrative is told with minimal dialogue, relying predominantly on imagery to convey its story. The film explores themes of poignancy, grief, the innocent playfulness of youth, and the elemental power of childbirth. Archetypal images of the Maiden, Mother, Father and Shadow manifest across the three acts, while the erotic scenes, panned by critics but lauded by viewers, are staged with embodiments of the Feminine. The portrayal of lesbian intimacy is executed with grace and, along with realistic depictions of the cruelty and kindness of others, lends authenticity to the narrative.

In essence, Elisa y Marcela is a triumph of cinematic art, telling an exquisite love story against the backdrop of groundbreaking historical moment.

---

---

endnotes

Film: Elisa y Marcela
Released: 7 June 2019
Length: 1:58
Language: Spanish with subtitles, English voice-over
Director: Isabel Coixet
Writers: Isabel Coixet, Narciso de Gabriel
Starring: Natalia de Molina, Greta Fernandez, Sara Casasnovas
Producers: Zenit Televisión, Lanube Películas and Rodar y Rodar
Streaming: Netflix

---