Viaje (2015)
Written and directed by Paz Fabrega
I don’t think I’ve ever knowingly watched a film from Costa Rica before, but this is one of the joys of MUBI, the indie streaming site I wrote about a couple of days ago. Unless it’s something I’ve seen before, or a classic film, I can never quite be sure what I’m going to get.
And I have to say, this little film caught me off-guard.
At my age, I find it unusual to be taken aback by what is no more than a romantic drama, but this Central American B&W gem fed directly into memories from my own (mis)adventures from the 80s to the present here in Australia. And there was no sugary, saccharine aftertaste that I so often get with films in this genre.
Paz Fabrega is a leading director in her native Costa Rica, having received some prestigious international awards for her work, and her eye is subtle and fine. Coupled with some luminous black and white cinematography from Fabrega and Estaban Chinchilla, this is a delight to look at. Edited by Sebastian Sepulveda and Fabrega, the pace is gentle but brings life and meaning to the images. Fernanado Bolanos and Kattia Gonzales bring Pedro and Luciana to playful life and their chemistry is delightful as they dance around each other.
As always, it won’t appeal to everyone but at 70 minutes, this doesn’t overstay its welcome. I found this a delight that transcended both time and language, whispering gently in my ear about my own life and choices over the years, making me smile.
Honestly, what more could I want from a film?
Debra Manskey 