Marleni, not Marlen
Marleni, not Marlen

Movie spotlight

Marleni, not Marlen

2020
Movie
16 min
Spanish

Marleni hates her job as a live-in home help at Mr Ramón’s home. Her life changes when she receives a message from an unknown number and she decides to create a fake identity, looking for a way to escape.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users85%
Director: Laura SamaniGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a secluded Italian coastal village in the 1970s, a young woman named Marleni grapples with societal expectations and her own desires. She is drawn to a charismatic but troubled outsider, a choice that puts her at odds with her conservative community and her own future. The film explores themes of love, freedom, and the courage to forge one's own path against prevailing norms.

Critical Reception

Marleni received positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric direction, strong performances, and sensitive portrayal of a young woman's awakening. It was noted for its visual beauty and its exploration of complex emotional themes within a specific historical and cultural context.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its evocative atmosphere and stunning cinematography.

  • Hadas Yaron's performance as Marleni is a standout, capturing her inner turmoil.

  • The film's slow-burn narrative effectively builds emotional resonance.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's artistic direction and the compelling emotional journey of the protagonist. Many found the story to be a moving and beautifully shot exploration of female independence.

Awards & Accolades

Selected for the Critics' Week at the Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, immersing the audience in the natural beauty and specific atmosphere of the setting.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review