Forastera is the feature-length debut of writer/director Lucía Aleñar Iglesias. The film follows Cata (Zoe Stein), a teenager on holiday with her younger sister, Eva (Martina García), in Mallorca. They are staying with their grandparents, Tomeu (Lluís Homar) and Catalina (Marta Angelat), while their mom, Pepa (Núria Prims), is back home. The siblings spend their days soaking in the sun, splashing in the ocean, and making out with cute boys all without a care in the world. But then one night, Cata discovers her grandmother on the ground just outside their home.
“…Cata begins to assume duties that her grandmother had performed throughout the house.”
Tragically, the fall down the outside steps killed Grandma. Pepa rushes to be with her family, but neither the girls nor Tomeu are able to articulate the heavy grief they are now carrying. While going through Catalina’s things, Cata discovers a polka dot dress that fits her very well. It certainly helps that the teen and her grandma are near identical. When a hairdresser calls to confirm Catalina’s appointment, it is Cata who answers the phone. From this point on, Cata begins to assume duties that her grandmother had performed throughout the house. But acting this way stirs up old resentments that threaten to hurt the family more than the death already has.
Forastera is methodical and observant, which are two of its greatest strengths. Iglesias is unhurried, allowing every scene to sit in the peaceful quiet before the storm of death shakes everything apart. After Catalina passes away, the pacing remains the same, but now bears witness to the stillness loss of life brings to those who remain. However, the filmmaker knows that every scene needs to have a point, so each moment contributes to the exploration of grief, the mystery of Cata morphing into Catalina, or the family dynamics that are so richly textured. A card game plays a pivotal role, and it feels as if it is just a bunch of friends hanging out together. Simply put, the narrative mirrors reality because it knows it is the small moments that appear average that truly make life.
"…quiet, powerful, and elegant."
