“Malu”

Toxic, turbulent, and loving, writer – director Pedro Freire captures the little seen and seldom discussed side of female familial relationships in “Malu,” his film about three generations of women and the dysfunctional family ties that bind them together.

Unemployed and volatile actress Malu (Yara de Novaes) was a former superstar who now lives with her very conservative mother in a Rio de Janeiro slum. Desperate for another shot at the top, Malu faces day to day struggles trying to build a better relationship with her own adult daughter. From mom to grandma to daughter, the family dynamic is highly strained. This leads to much bickering, but also at the core is true love.

There’s a bohemian, free spirited energy to the film that pairs well with the script, and Freire pens some sassy and funny dialogue that’s boosted by excellent performances from the cast. Tough themes like deep-seated resentment and generational trauma are tackled through fleeting moments of humor, but Freire turns towards a more serious tone when delving into the more complicated side of relationships.

“Malu” paints an authentically complex picture of women that rings true on so many levels.

By: Louisa Moore