‘Calle Malaga’ is a poignant film that beautifully captures the essence of aging gracefully and living life on one’s own terms, featuring a stellar performance by Carmen Maura.
‘Calle Malaga’ Review: A Celebration of Life and Resilience
The Audience Award winner in the Spotlight section of the Venice Film Festival, Calle Malaga made its North American premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. This crowd-pleasing film is a beautiful ode to growing old while refusing to succumb to age, embracing life on one’s own terms.
Maria Angeles: A Character of Depth
Directed by Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani, known for her acclaimed 2022 film The Blue Caftan, Calle Malaga features the beloved Spanish actress Carmen Maura. Best recognized for her collaborations with Pedro Almodóvar, Maura shines in her role as a widow navigating the complexities of family and independence in Tangiers.
We meet Maria Angeles, a 74-year-old woman who has established a comforting routine with local vendors and enjoys her peaceful life, filled with music from her cherished record player. However, her tranquility is disrupted when her daughter Clara (Marta Etura) arrives, announcing her intention to sell Maria’s house, a decision that threatens to uproot her life.
Conflict and Resolution
Clara’s decision stems from her struggles with a divorce and financial difficulties. Maria, faced with the ultimatum of moving to Madrid or a retirement home, initially resists but ultimately chooses to embrace her independence. As Clara brings in a dealer to sell Maria’s belongings, including her beloved record player, Maria hatches a clever plan to reclaim her home.
After a few challenging days at the retirement home, Maria announces her decision to move to Madrid, but instead, she returns to her empty house, becoming a savvy squatter. She gradually repurchases her furniture and attempts to restore her previous life, embarking on a quest to retrieve her record player, which leads to an unexpected romance with Abslaine (Ahmed Boulane).
Community and Connection
To generate income, Maria cleverly sells spots in her living room for locals to watch football games, creating a vibrant community space. She even manages to keep her daughter in the dark about her whereabouts, asserting her independence and resourcefulness.
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A Joyful Cinematic Experience
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Calle Malaga, Morocco’s official entry for the International Feature Film Oscar, is a delightful film, primarily due to Maura’s captivating performance. While the script may lack complexity, it resonates with older audiences seeking relatable narratives. It’s no surprise that it won the Audience Award in Venice and may replicate that success in Toronto.
Producers include Ayouch, Amine Benjelloun, and Jean-Rémi Ducourtioux.
Title: Calle Malaga
Festivals: Venice (Spotlight); Toronto (Special Presentations)
Director: Maryam Touzani
Screenwriters: Maryam Touzani and Nabil Ayouch
Cast: Carmen Maura, Marta Etura, Ahmed Boulane, María Alfonsa Rosso, Miguel Garcés
Sales agent: Films Boutique
Running time: 1 hr 56 mins
