Family Life is a Chilean drama film that delves into the complexities of human relationships, the essence of solitude, and the illusions of identity through the eyes of its introspective protagonist. Directed by Alicia Scherson and Cristián Jiménez, the film features an ensemble cast led by Jorge Becker, Gabriela Arancibia, and a host of other talented actors who bring this emotive narrative to life.
The movie opens with the scene of Martín (played by Jorge Becker), a man who seems to be somewhat adrift in his own life, isolated from familial ties, and struggling to find his place in the world. His disconnection from those around him reflects an inner turmoil, which the audience comes to comprehend as Martín traverses through the mundane yet complex web of day-to-day existence.
Suddenly, an opportunity arises that profoundly changes Martín's situation. His distant cousin, Bruno (whose presence is felt although he doesn't appear much on screen), asks Martín to house-sit while he and his family are abroad in France for a few months. Martín agrees, finding himself in a comfortable house in a quiet suburb, a stark contrast to his previous life. It is within the confines of this suburban house that the story begins to unfold like a petal, revealing the layers of Martín's character.
With the family gone, Martín initially adheres to the small routine tasks left for him, but the emptiness of the home and the absence of its owners have a peculiar effect on him. As time progresses, he begins to adopt the persona of the homeowner, wearing Bruno's clothes and using his things. It's in this impersonation that Martín starts to indulge in the fantasy of an alternative life, far removed from his own troubled reality.
One day, he meets Gabriela (played by Gabriela Arancibia), a single mother who lives nearby. Gabriela is depicted as a conscientious and resilient person, whose life revolves around her daughter and her work, yet she too seems to be grappling with a sense of loneliness and yearning for connection. Despite the pretense under which they meet, a complex relationship begins to form between Martín and Gabriela. It unfolds delicately, as both are cautious but intrigued by the potential of companionship.
Family Life portrays this blossoming relationship with a subtle charm, capturing the moments of tenderness, awkwardness, and hopeful glimpses of happiness that come from their interactions. It's through these moments that the movie investigates the themes of intimacy and belonging, asking whether one can truly escape from the self or must eventually face their own reality.
Throughout the film, Martín's dual existence becomes an increasingly tense balancing act—as he weaves a web of untruths, viewers are left in suspense, wondering when or if the facade he has carefully built will collapse. The cinematography complements this tension, capturing the picturesque suburbia with an almost voyeuristic lens that echoes Martín's intrusion into a world where he doesn't belong. The quiet, often dialogue-sparse scenes are punctuated by evocative sound design and a poignant score that resonates with Martín's inner conflict.
Aside from the nuanced love story that unfolds between Martín and Gabriela, the movie also explores the impact of his decisions on the people he encounters, including Gabriela's daughter. As the surrogate family unit begins to believe in this fantasy, the emotional stakes rise. The film does an excellent job of conveying the looming sense of dread that accompanies Martín's charade.
Family Life is rich with metaphors and symbols, analyzing the transient nature of existence, the facades people construct to mask their insecurities, and the desperate human search for validation and affection. It poses questions about identity, morality, and the meaning of home. The performances from Becker and Arancibia stand out, as they deliver their roles with authenticity and vulnerability, enabling us to empathize with their characters' predicaments.
A slow burner that thrives on subtlety rather than sensationalism, Family Life may not be action-packed or rich with thrilling plot twists, but it offers a poignant, reflective look at ordinary people navigating the uncertainties of modern life. It's a nuanced portrait of the human condition and the far-reaching consequences of our choices that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
The film is an intricate piece of cinema that explores the complexity of adopting an identity that is not one's own, the intertwined paths of fate and choice, and the phantom threads of connection that bind us all. It examines the notion that family life, with all its implied warmth and familiarity, can sometimes be an orchestrated illusion.
Ultimately, Family Life is a thought-provoking exploration of the human heart and psyche that is both introspective and universal. It is a reminder that the stories we tell ourselves and others can become cages or cocoons, with the potential to transform us in ways we never anticipated.
Family Life is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
