Review of Julieta (2016) by Kristen H — 23 Jan 2017

A stirring foreign film about loss and family relationships, "Julieta" hits all the notes needed for a slice-of-life drama.

Shown in flashbacks, the film unfolds the life story of the main character Julieta played by both Emma Suarez ("Hazing," "Looking for Eimish") as the older and Adriana Ugarte ("Palm Trees in the Snow," "Combustion") as the younger.

Starting in the present, Julieta is forced to confront her buried past after encountering her daughter's childhood friend Bea, played by Michelle Jenner ("Isabel," "Paco's Men"), on the street unexpectedly. Julieta uproots her life at hearing the news that Bea spotted her daughter, Antia (played by Priscilla Delgado as a child and Blanca Pares when she is 18 years old) while on vacation and that she has three children. This upheaval, or so she believes, is just on the off-chance that her daughter might try to contact her.

While this may seem like odd behavior, the audience quickly finds out that the mother-daughter pair are not on speaking terms - and haven't been for quite a long time.

After upheaving her current life, Julieta sits down to write her life story down in a diary addressed to her daughter to tell her side of everything. This is where the flashbacks start and the journey begins when Julieta meets Antia's father, Xoan (Daniel Grao, "The Mule," "The End").

The story continues as Julieta navigates early adulthood to middle-age. From meeting Xoan and moving to the sea, to having a child to teaching classic literature, "Julieta" leaves no stone unturned. Ultimately, though, tragedy strikes and the family must figure out how to handle the grief.

"Julieta" is based on the three short stories "Chance," "Soon" and "Silence" by Canadian author and Nobel Laureate Alice Munro. The stories come from her 2004 collection "Runway.".

It can be a little slow in parts, but the narrative is compelling enough that this small detail can be overlooked for the otherwise rich story-telling.

Writer and Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar ("Talk to Her," "Volver") brings the story to life through use of bold colors and tight-shots. "Julieta" is his 20th feature-length film.

Among many accolades, "Julieta" has been nominated for a BAFTA for best film not in English. It is easy to see why as the film is attention-grabbing while still having a very straight-forward narrative.

While the ending isn't your normal American fare, it actually gets wrapped up than expected, but still leaves you wanting more.

While not for everyone, those interested in a good story without any action, special effects or gag jokes will find a perfect fit with "Julieta.".

"Julieta" is a Spanish film shown with English subtitles.

(Sony Pictures Classics).