In the summers

In the Summers, directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio, is a deeply moving and meticulously crafted film that explores the complex and often painful dynamics of a fractured family. Spanning several years, the film focuses on the summer visits of two daughters, Violeta and Eva, to their troubled father, Vicente, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. With its episodic structure, the film deftly captures the evolving relationship between the siblings and their father, depicting the lingering effects of his unpredictable behavior on their lives.

The film opens with a nervous and hopeful Vicente, played by René Pérez Joglar, preparing his home for the arrival of his daughters. His attempts to create a welcoming environment are sincere but ultimately inadequate, as his unresolved problems and addictions begin to surface. The first half of the film shows young Violeta and Eva, played by Dreya Renae Castillo and Luciana Elisa Quinonez, enjoying seemingly innocent activities such as swimming and stargazing. However, even in these moments, there are hints of Vicente's instability, particularly his addiction to alcohol and his unstable temperament.

As the years go by, Violeta and Eva, played by Kimaya Thais Limón and Allison Salinas, become increasingly aware of their father's shortcomings. Summer visits, once idyllic, become tense, and the sisters begin to develop their own identities, often at odds with their father's expectations. Violeta's journey of self-discovery, in particular the exploration of her homosexual identity, is sensitively portrayed. Carmen, a local barmaid and family friend played by Emma Ramos, provides much-needed support and understanding.

By the time Violeta and Eva, played by Lio Mehiel and Sasha Calle, reach adulthood, the relationship with their father has deteriorated considerably. Vicente, a shadow of his former self, tries to make amends, but the damage is done. The film's final chapter, though hopeful of reconciliation, leaves many questions unanswered, reflecting the messy, unresolved nature of real-life relationships.

Lacorazza Samudio's decision to structure the film in four chapters, each corresponding to a different summer, effectively captures the passage of time and the gradual unravelling of the family. The repeated scenes of Vicente picking up his daughters from the airport are a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of their relationship, with each summer bringing new hopes and inevitable disappointments.

Particularly striking is the use of the family garden pool as a visual motif. Initially a symbol of joy and unity, the pool gradually deteriorates, reflecting Vicente's declining mental and emotional state. In the final chapter, the pool, now a stagnant, neglected space, contrasts sharply with the vibrant, hopeful energy of the early summers.
Cinematographer Alejandro Mejía's work is essential in conveying the film's themes. The arid landscapes of Las Cruces, captured in wide, desolate shots, underline the isolation and loneliness that permeate the characters' lives. The play of light and shadow in the film's interior scenes adds a layer of intimacy, bringing the audience closer to the characters' inner torment.

In the Summers is a film that deals in depth with the themes of addiction, family responsibility and the struggle for identity. Vicente's character is a tragic figure, a man who sincerely loves his daughters but is unable to overcome his demons. His journey from hopeful father to broken man is heartbreaking, and Pérez Joglar's performance is both raw and nuanced, capturing the complexities of a man who is both victim and perpetrator.
The film also explores the impact of Vicente's behavior on his daughters. Violeta and Eva's experiences with their father profoundly shape their identities, influencing their relationships with others and their perception of themselves. The bond between the two sisters, though tested by the challenges they face, remains a source of strength throughout the film.

Lacorazza Samudio treats the subject with great sensitivity, avoiding melodrama in favor of a more discreet, realistic depiction of family life. The film's quiet moments - such as Violeta cutting her hair short or Eva silently bearing the brunt of her father's neglect - are among the most powerful, conveying the unspoken pain and resilience of the characters.

In the Summers is a remarkable debut film that showcases Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio's talent as a writer and director. The exploration of a dysfunctional family, set against the backdrop of New Mexico's stark landscape, is both haunting and beautiful. Thanks to strong performances, particularly from René Pérez Joglar, and a keen sense of visual storytelling, In the Summers is a film that resonates long after the credits roll. It's a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of parental influence, the complexity of forgiveness and the enduring strength of sibling bonds.

In the summers
Directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio
Produced by Alexander Dinelaris, Rob Quadrino, Fernando Rodriguez-Vila, Jan Suter, Daniel Tantalean, Janek Ambros, Lynette Coll, Sergio Alberto Lira, Cristóbal Güell, Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz, Slava Vladimirov & Stephanie Yankwitt
Written by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio
Starring René Pérez Joglar, Sasha Calle, Lío Mehiel, Leslie Grace, Emma Ramos
Music: Eduardo Cabra
Director of photography: Alejandro Mejía
Editing: Adam Dicterow
Production company: Lexicon
Distributed by Music Box Films (USA)
Release date: NC
Running time: 95 minutes

Seen on September 12, 2024 at the Deauville International Center

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