Elisa & Marcela

In 1901, Elisa Sánchez and Marcela Gracia meet as young teachers in a Galician village. Their deep connection evolves into a forbidden love affair, forcing them to confront societal norms and the rigid structures of the Catholic Church. To be together, Elisa adopts a male identity, 'Mario', and they embark on a clandestine marriage that will be challenged by the very society they sought to escape.

Elisa & Marcela received generally positive reviews, with many critics praising its sensitive portrayal of a pioneering same-sex relationship and the performances of its lead actresses. However, some found the pacing to be slow at times, and a few noted that the film could have delved deeper into the emotional complexities of its characters.

• Praised for its historical significance and tender depiction of a groundbreaking love story.

• The lead performances by Natalia de Molina and Greta Fernández are widely lauded as compelling.

• Some viewers noted a deliberate, sometimes slow, pacing that may not appeal to all.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's emotional depth and the bravery of Elisa and Marcela's story. Many appreciated the period detail and the strong chemistry between the two leads, though a segment of viewers felt the narrative could have been more dynamic.

Screened at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival. Nominated for Best Film at the 34th Goya Awards.

The film is based on the true story of the first same-sex marriage in Spain, although the marriage was later annulled due to the gender of one of the participants.