Watch Ellos Volvieron

Ellos Volvieron (They Returned) is a 2015 Argentinean drama film directed by Iván Noel. The movie tells the story of three siblings, all children, who return home after three weeks of being missing. The film follows the family as they try to come to terms with what happened while the kids were gone. The movie takes place in a remote Argentinean forest, where the city family spends their summer vacation. While walking in the woods, the children--an older sister Celina (Valentina Sartorelli), her younger brother Felipe (Juan Ignacio Molina), and their toddler brother Bruno (Lauro Veron)--get lost, and their disappearance remains unexplained for the whole first act of the movie. They come back home in a mysterious, traumatic state and refuse to talk about their experience.

Their disappearance takes a toll on each family member, and tensions rise as they try to understand what has happened. The father (Adrian Matrone) feels embarrassed and helpless for not being able to protect his kids, while the mother (Rocio Palacinelli) starts questioning her own sanity, thinking she might have lost the children herself. The sister Celina, usually a quiet and obedient girl, becomes hostile and aggressive towards her parents, and the little Felipe seems to be the only one who remembers most of the details of their trip.

The color palette of the movie resembles the washed-out hues of old family photos and lends a slow and melancholic pace to the narrative. The film's visuals, mostly made of handheld shots and naturalistic long takes, add a documentary-like feel to the movie, emphasizing the realism and the emotional weight of the story.

Ellos Volvieron is not an easy movie to watch. The film deals with themes of trauma, mental illness, and the fragility of family bonds. It also examines the inner world of children and how they are affected by the grown-ups' decisions. Although the plot provokes uneasiness and discomfort, it never feels exploitative or gratuitous in its approach. The whole cast delivers nuanced performances, and the young actors, in particular, give their characters a raw and honest portrayal; Valentina Sartorelli's Celina is both vulnerable and fierce, and Juan Ignacio Molina's Felipe is endearing and mature for his age.

The film's script refuses to provide easy answers, and the ambiguity surrounding the children's disappearance leaves room for interpretation, inviting the viewers to reflect on their own assumptions and beliefs. Some might see the movie as a mirror of the physical and emotional violence present in society and how it affects the most fragile members of the community. Others might read it as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and how it shapes our perception of the world.

In conclusion, Ellos Volvieron is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that rewards the viewers with a gripping and poignant story. The film's slow-burning pace and naturalistic approach might not be for everyone, but those who stay with it till the end will be rewarded with a deeply affecting and memorable cinematic experience.