La promesa
La promesa

Movie spotlight

La promesa

2014
Movie
99 min
Spanish

A journey through customs and traditions such as the promise of the Kings, Virgen del Carmen festival, the rosaries, Christmas' parrandas, and the voices of people retelling their memories of history.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users73%
Director: Luca GuadagninoGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a secluded, sun-drenched villa, a renowned American filmmaker struggles with his latest work. As creative tensions rise and personal relationships fray, he finds himself confronting his past and the nature of his art. The film delves into themes of obsession, memory, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction within the isolated, luxurious setting. A complex web of desire and artistic ambition unfolds as characters navigate their intertwined lives and the psychological landscape of creativity.

Critical Reception

Luca Guadagnino's "La promesa" garnered significant critical attention for its artistic ambition and visual style, though its narrative complexity and thematic explorations divided opinion. Critics often lauded the performances, particularly Tilda Swinton's, and the film's evocative atmosphere. However, some found the plot elusive or overly self-indulgent, questioning the clarity of its message. Overall, it was recognized as a thought-provoking, albeit challenging, cinematic experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with a compelling atmosphere.

  • Praised for strong performances, especially Tilda Swinton.

  • Some critics found the narrative elusive and self-indulgent.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's artistic merit and visual beauty, with many highlighting the captivating performances. However, a portion of viewers found the plot to be somewhat ambiguous and slow-paced, leading to mixed overall sentiment.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Golden Lion at the 71st Venice International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film was originally conceived as a remake of Jacques Deray's 1969 film 'La Piscine' but evolved into a new story with Guadagnino's original characters and narrative.

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