STAY SANE

LA LLEGADA DEL HIJO

2024 / 87 min / color

Sofia is a woman who feels compelled to suppress her emotions, and she’s about to go through a lot of them, often conflicting ones, when she takes in her teenage son who’s being released from prison. Their reunion gives them an opportunity to bridge the distance that has grown between them since he committed his crime, but it soon becomes apparent that it won’t be easy, as the relationship is badly damaged by unresolved events from the past. As the motives for her son’s crime gradually come to light, the reasons for Sofia’s emotional coldness and inner conflicts become increasingly clear. The film, codirected by Cecilia Atán and Valeria Pivato, is like an intricate puzzle in which the narrative gradually reveals its secrets. Built on unforgettable performances by Maricel Álvarez and Angelo Mutti Spinetta, the story is told with a great deal of understatement, suggesting how much can be roiling just below the surface. Surfacing was awarded best Argentinian film at the last edition of the renowned Mar del Plata Film Festival.

• Mar del Plata IFF – Best Argentinian Film