Screened earlier this year in the prestigious Director’s Fortnight in Cannes, Refugiado, the new film by Argentine director Diego Lerman (Tan de repente, Mientras tanto, La mirada invisible) tackles a most important and timely issue: domestic violence. It doesn’t tell an extraordinary story, but a standard one alike those of many anonymous women being abused every day, be it psychologically, verbally or physically.
From a descriptive point of view, the film is a true achievement from beginning to end. However, when it comes to its narrative pulse, it comes across as an uneven feature. While its thematic value remains intact, its emotional resonance is sometimes feeble. In any case, just like Lerman’s previous films, Refugiado is technically flawless, by most accounts.
The story in a nutshell: eight-year-old Matías (Sebastián Molinaro) and his pregnant mother Laura (Julieta Díaz) have to leave their home in haste in order to escape from yet another outburst of violence from Fabián, the head of the family. So they begin a drifting trip, looking for a place where they can feel safe and protected.
Lerman described Refugiado as an urban road movie, and the definition couldn’t be more exact. Like in any road movie, the leading characters undergo a physical journey with a series of stops that will eventually lead them to find out more about themselves and the circumstances they are going through. However, what matters most is their inner journey in search for solace, freedom, and a way out.
In this regard, the screenplay is quite rich as it portrays Matías and Laura staying in a shelter, a couple of rundown hotels, a friend’s house, you name it... Of course, the streets themselves are the conduct that takes them from one place to the next, but there are also dangerous zones where they can be seen, trapped, and, later on, abused.
So no wonder they walk so fast — sometimes they just run — as a remarkably frantic, hand-held camera records their fearful expressions and follows them everywhere. In contrast, when they are inside, the camera remains still for they are enjoying, so to speak, a much-needed break. By the way, both Julieta Díaz and Sebastián Molinaro deliver very credible performances, just like the supporting actors — even if they have little screen time.
On the minus side, there are parts when Refugiado gets too descriptive, but it doesn’t go that deep as to account for the feelings and confusion of the characters. So you may feel you are seeing more of the same. And it lacks tension. Which is a shame because the dramatic potential of this material is basically unlimited. Yet the assets outdo the flaws, that’s for sure.
Production notes
Refugiado (Argentina, 2014). Written by Diego Lerman and María Meira. Directed by Diego Lerman. Starring Julieta Díaz, Sebastián Molinaro, Marta Lubos, Carlos Weber. Cinematography: Wojtek Staron. Editing: Alejandro Brodersohn. Running time: 95 minutes.
