disappointment media
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • The Snake Hole
  • About

THE AUGUST VIRGIN -- A Gorgeous and Meaningful Slice-of-Life

8/23/2020

0 Comments

 
Review by Sean Boelman
Picture
The summer love narrative is a common one in film, but what makes Jonás Trueba’s take on the genre, The August Virgin, stand out is the way in which it blends these tropes with a slice-of-life structure. Slow-moving but compelling and visually beautiful, this movie is a perfect example of elegant simplicity.

The film follows a young woman who, in search of a fresh start, decides to stay in her hometown of Madrid for the summer when many of the locals leave. There really isn’t much of a firm plot here, the script by Trueba and co-writer/star Itsaso Arana mostly taking the form of a series of interactions and events that happen in the character’s life.

That said, the character arc in the movie is strong. The film is all about embracing oneself and letting go. It’s interesting to watch how the character grows more comfortable in her own skin through these interactions that initially seem random but quickly reveal the greater meaning that they entail.

Yet despite the fact that these individual moments are each packed with meaning, many of them almost start to blend together. Yes, there are a few that are especially memorable, but too significant a significant portion of the movie is built around mundanities for anything but the overall message to stick.
Picture
This definitely isn’t a widely accessible film because of how it meanders through its setting. It’s a contemplative movie that takes plenty of time to allow its themes to build upon themselves. Part of what makes this film so intriguing is that each person who watches it will likely connect with a different aspect of the character’s experience, and as a result, gain something unique from the story.

Arana’s performance as the lead is phenomenal. Unfortunately, there aren’t any supporting players with parts that are large enough to be significant, but Arana has a screen presence that is plenty strong enough to carry the movie. She obviously has a connection to the material, and it shows in her understated approach to the role.

Visually, Trueba’s film is exquisite, and this is likely what will make most viewers appreciate it. There isn’t a single shot that isn’t absolutely gorgeous thanks to some superb cinematography by Santiago Racaj. This is definitely one of those movies where looking at it is almost as (if not more) satisfying than the story itself.

Despite a narrative that doesn’t have a whole lot of forward motion, Jonás Trueba’s The August Virgin is still a dynamic film thanks to how pretty it looks. There will be some for whom this is too slow for their tastes, but those who appreciate its merits will love it.

The August Virgin is now streaming online in partnership with indie theaters. A list of participating locations can be found here.

Rating: 4/5
               
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019

    Authors

    All
    Adam Donato
    Alan French
    Allison Brown
    Borja Izuzquiz
    Camden Ferrell
    Cole Groth
    Daniel Lima
    Dan Skip Allen
    Erin M. Brady
    Jonathan Berk
    Joseph Fayed
    Josh Batchelder
    Paris Jade
    Rafael Motamayor
    Sarah Williams
    Sean Boelman
    Tatiana Miranda

disappointment media

Dedicated to unique and diverse perspectives on cinema!
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • The Snake Hole
  • About