Watch The Flower

The Flower is a gripping and thought-provoking Argentine drama film that was released in 2018. Directed by Mariano Llinás, the film revolves around three women; a mother, a daughter, and a granddaughter, and their interactions with one another. The story beautifully unfolds throughout different timelines and introduces us to complex characters who are flawed but relatable, making it an insightful depiction of the dynamics of family relationships.

The story starts with a woman, who is introduced as Rosa, receiving a distressing phone call from her daughter, Ines. Ines has just lost her job and has no other option but to move back with her mother. This is the premise that sets the stage for the film's exploration of the intricate and challenging relationships between three generations of women. Rosa, played by Elisa Carricajo, is a retired mattress factory worker who has sacrificed her life to provide for her family. She is stoic, practical, and always tries to find solutions to problems.

In contrast to Rosa's pragmatic personality, Ines, played by Valeria Correa, is a romantic and creative writer whose dreams of success often lead her down a path of self-destruction. She's not happy with her life and blames her mother for her inability to achieve her goals. The mother-daughter relationship between Rosa and Ines is incredibly complicated, with the two unable to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and resentment.

Adding another layer to the story is the character of Dalia, played by Pilar Gamboa, who is Ines's young daughter. Although she's barely seen in the first half of the film, we can infer from the characters' conversations that Dalia is an integral part of their family dynamics. Her presence and the events that happen in the later parts of the film are what bring the family together and mark significant turning points in their lives.

The film's narrative structure is unusual but engaging as it jumps between different timelines and explores various themes. The film's first half focuses primarily on the Rosa-Ines mother-daughter dynamic and paints a sobering picture of the struggles of working-class families in Argentina. The second half of the film is more emotionally charged, bringing the entire family together and revealing some hidden secrets.

The themes presented in the film are relatable and thought-provoking. One of the central themes explored in the film is the concept of motherhood and its complexities. The film presents us with three different versions of motherhood, each with its flaws and virtues. Additionally, the film addresses the notion of sacrifice and how it can lead to bitterness and resentment. The characters' experiences show that self-sacrifice can be a double-edged sword, with mothers giving up their dreams and aspirations for their children, leading to feelings of emptiness and regret.

Another significant theme pushed to its brink in The Flower is the concept of ambition and how it can impact our mental health. The film talks about how pursuing your dreams and ambitions can be a lonely and isolating experience. Ines's struggles with rejection and lack of success highlight how challenging it is to have a creative career and the toll it can take on one's mental health.

The performances by the lead actors carry the film to new heights. Elisa Carricajo is exceptional as Rosa, an understated and nuanced performance that depicts someone holding on to a lot of emotional baggage. Valeria Correa's portrayal of Ines is enthralling, bringing a vulnerability to her character that makes her relatable. Pilar Gamboa provides the perfect balance to the film's serious tone, bringing some much-needed lightness and laughter.

The Flower is a poignant and insightful film that is incredibly well-written, excellently acted, and a joy to watch. The nonlinear structure paired with the themes of motherhood, ambition, and sacrifice make it a unique piece of cinematic storytelling. The film is a must-watch for anyone who has struggled with familial relationships in the past, and those who are searching for films with a lot of heart and soul.

The Flower is a 2019 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 77.