Director: Avalina Prat

Starring: Manolo Solo, Maria de Medeiros, Rita Cabaco, Branka Katic

Writer-director Avalina Prat’s follow up to her comedy drama ‘Vasil’ is an elegant and understated drama. Fernando (Solo) is a geography lecturer in Barcelona. When we first encounter Fernando he is telling his students that they must draw maps of the world to understand it, but when challenged by one of his students, concludes ‘I know nothing’ then dismisses the class early. The reason for Fernando’s disorientation is that his Serbian wife has recently left him with no explanation. He drifts to Portugal where he encounters an itinerant Spanish gardener Manuel. When Manuel suddenly dies, Fernando decides to take his place in a Portuguese quinta, gardening for a kindly wealthy woman Amalia (Medeiros) while befriending the housekeeper Rita. Slowly he begins to settle into his new uncomplicated existence, before upsetting news comes from Spain. The pacing is stately, but the storytelling is compellingly enigmatic with filmmaker Prat incorporating thriller and mystery elements while exploring notions of destiny, regret and acceptance. Cinematographer Santiago Racaj memorably captures the titular house in idyllic and golden sun-dappled tones, while lead Solo is excellent as a desensitised man gradually being pulled back into the messy business of life. The conclusion is as satisfying as it is moving.

David Willoughby

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