In the realm of cinema, where storytelling is an art form, the film 'Ashes' directed by Diego Luna, presents a compelling yet complex narrative. The movie, based on Brenda Navarro's novel 'Ceniza en la Boca', follows the journey of Lucila, a young Mexican woman navigating life in Madrid. While the film has its merits, it also falls short in several aspects, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and a desire for more.
One of the most striking aspects of 'Ashes' is the way it handles time and narrative structure. The film jumps between Lucila's childhood and her adult life, with little to no reflection on the passage of time. This approach, while innovative, can be jarring for the audience. The story feels disjointed, with key moments and emotional developments relegated to the margins. The performances, particularly Anna Diaz's portrayal of Lucila, are powerful and engaging, but they are not enough to compensate for the haphazard storytelling.
Luna, a director with a successful career in mainstream cinema, seems to struggle with the limitations of his craft. His strength lies in eliciting powerful performances from his actors, and he does this exceptionally well with Diaz. However, his storytelling skills are not up to par, leading to a film that feels more like a collection of scenes than a cohesive narrative. The camera often gravitates towards Diaz, but this is more out of necessity than a deliberate choice, as Luna seems unsure of where else to direct it.
The film's depiction of Lucila's family situation is another area of concern. The information is sprung quickly and economically, but there is little richness to this portrayal. The audience is left to fill in the gaps, and even when major developments occur, their impact is left to the audience's imagination. This approach can be frustrating, as it leaves the viewer feeling disconnected from the characters and their struggles.
The late third-act swerve towards a tale of 'home' is a welcome change, but it feels out of place and visually disconnected from the rest of the film. The emotional journey Lucila undergoes during this trip is left too vague to make a meaningful impact, despite Diaz's best efforts. The film trails off between various plot points, each given equal importance, leaving the audience with a sense of incompleteness.
In conclusion, 'Ashes' is a film with potential, but it falls short in several areas. The disjointed narrative structure, the lack of richness in the family situation, and the vague emotional journey leave the audience with a sense of unease. While Luna's instincts are right within his limited storytelling framework, the film needs more cohesion and a clearer vision to become a truly memorable cinematic experience.
