Alanis (2017)

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Female director Anahí Berneri and screenwriter Javier V. made a great film, both real and hopeful, about "Alanis"/ María, a sex worker with a child. The film has her onscreen most of the time, she's so natural one forgets it's a movie.The sleazy ambience, duplicitous relative, treacherous tenant, disgusting client, dangerous client, violent rival immigrant sex workes, it seems almost nobody is even fair to Alanis. What I liked about the film 1) Sofia Gala's acting 2) photography 3) plot 4) catchy music 5) it shows the reality of "la puta calle" while at the same time offering us a glimpse of hope, some beauty behind the cheap everything. The scene of A. having fun with Dante at the concrete half circle, almost the only moment we see her smile.Loved the ending. Finding one's place may take ages. Some never really gets there. Alanis, even clumsily, finds a room with a view, or something like it.IMDB reviewer Raven-1969 is right that the role of the state and law enforcers is more like thugs than people that could help or at least be of some use to vulnerable people like A. It's a game the film makes with us that whenever she is asked about the name "like the singer, right?" she doesn't answer. She doesn't care, her identity is elswhere. Sometimes while she looks at her eyes in the mirror of a client's dashboard vanity mirror for instance.Sofia Castiglione is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to intelligent direction. I am looking forward to watch new work both by director and actress.

Sunlight and fresh air streaming through a little window, clinging to the back of a motorcycle as it threads the city streets and the laughter of her baby boy; little things that bring Alanis such joy. She sorely needs it. Inconsistent and unbalanced prostitution laws and predatory law enforcers punish the very people they should help. The camera follows Alanis and her son Dante as they are forced to the street, seek shelter with a kind yet preachy relative, try to find a little space for themselves in territory jealously guarded by others in the same line of work, and suffer other indignities. Alanis is a determined survivor though, she treasures the light when it comes and if anyone can get through such times, it is her.The film provides a valuable and intriguing glimpse into the underworld of Buenos Aires where immigrants are lured with false promises, bad laws and law enforcers rule, and vulnerable people such as Alanis have few and dismal choices available. Dante is the real-life son of the film's main actor. This relationship brings authenticity and magic to each scene between mother and son. While there could be more depth to the dialogue and certain scenes should be expanded upon, Alanis is a wonderful, genuine and insightful film. Seen at the Toronto International Film Festival.