Review of A Fantastic Woman (2017) by Fong K — 24 Jul 2018

A somber drama that tackles its delicate subject matter with a tender touch.

A Fantastic Woman is a phenomenal film and one of 2017's most overlooked! I'm glad it won Best Foreign Language Film at The Oscars because it earned it in spades. Sebastián Lelio directs A Fantastic Woman with care and sensitivity towards transgender people. His peerless cinematography with innovative visual techniques makes A Fantastic Woman a delight to witness. Lelio's direction is so stunning and always intriguing. You never know what will happen next!

Though tragic and upsetting in tone and events, A Fantastic Woman takes its themes of love, loss, grief, cruelty, bigotry, trans-phobia, and police corruption to heart. You will never forget this film!

Daniela Vega is the main star as leading actress playing Marina. She sings beautifully and acts with a sincere skill often reserved for only the professionals with more experience. Vega not only impressed me, but moved me deeply. I found her eye glares and facial acting excellent. Her body language is very mature and complex. Vega carries A Fantastic Woman to greatness.

I must mention the lovely music scattered here and there in A Fantastic Woman. The score by Matthew Herbert is really quite lovely. It's only utilized on occasion, so you'll always appreciate when it chimes in during intimate moments.

In short, A Fantastic Woman is a classic from Chile. Lelio should be proud of his swift and direct direction. This film could easily be studied frame by frame for its dedicated craft in filmmaking, while it also will persevere as a landmark movie that acts as a champion for LGBTQ rights and respect. Drama and emotions will flare when you watch A Fantastic Woman. It may be upsetting to see how poorly the masses treat transgender women, so be warned. It is worth the watch all the same.