The Visit
The Visit

Movie spotlight

The Visit

2004
Movie
15 min
Tagalog

Raya Martin's award-winning short film Bakasyon is about a young girl who goes to the province to take care of her grandma, where she discovers strange and mysterious things about her lola's identity. The 15-minute film won the Ishmael Bernal Award for Young Cinema at the Cinemanila in 2004.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes58%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users76%
Director: Tony GoldwynGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Alex, a wealthy and estranged New York photographer, is forced to confront his past when he learns his mother is dying. He travels back to his childhood home in Texas, a place he has not seen in over 20 years, to reconnect with his ailing mother and his family. Upon arrival, he finds himself overwhelmed by memories and the complex relationships he left behind.

Critical Reception

The Visit received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised its emotional depth and strong performances, particularly from Sônia Braga. However, some found the narrative a bit predictable and melodramatic, though generally appreciating its heartfelt exploration of family and reconciliation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional resonance and strong acting.

  • Noted for its sensitive portrayal of family dynamics and unresolved issues.

  • Some critics found the plot to be somewhat conventional.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate appreciation for the film's touching story about family and forgiveness, with many highlighting the moving performances. Some viewers found it a bit slow-paced but ultimately satisfying.

Fun Fact

The film was Raúl Juliá's last completed film before his death in 1994; it was released posthumously in 2004.

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