It’s not that often that we recommend that you skip a movie completely, but Clara Sola may be one of those odd cases. The description of the movie, seems to make it a lot more interesting than it actually is. The film doesn’t seem to have an actual story but instead rambles its way towards a point that it can finally end it’s long and slow ambling journey.
The movie follows Clara, a woman with a “special gift” as well as a physical deformity that appears to be similar to scoliosis. Her mother restricts her life, what she does daily, and even her medical treatment. But at the same time makes her use her gift to heal others. Her methods often come off as emotionally abusive and it continues to make Clara feel alone, or Sola.
The only person who seems to relate to Clara through the whole film is her niece who is not only getting ready for her quinceañera, but also has a boyfriend that Clara also shows an interest in. This leads to several moments of Clara touching herself inappropriately as well as others in the film – making very cringeworthy moments in the film.
Although the movie is shot beautifully and framed artistically, it’s hard to pay attention to a movie that is dragging and doesn’t seem to know where it should be pointing. Does Clara actually have powers? Or is it her overpowering mother and family’s belief that she does? Is there really anything wrong with Clara or has her sheltered life made her the way she is? And really, is this movie one that will appeal to enough of an audience to justify it even getting theater openings?
Clara Sola will be released locally at select theaters. But the limited appeal of this movie and the subtitles will definitely limit its success here. The movie seems to drag and much longer than the one-hour 47 minute run time.
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About Clara Sola:
In a remote village in Costa Rica, 40-year-old Clara (Araya) endures a repressively religious and withdrawn life under the command of her mother (Chavez). Her uncanny affinity for creatures large and small allows Clara to find solace in the natural world around her. Tension builds within the family as Clara’s younger niece (Espinoza) approaches her quinceañera, igniting a sexual and mystical awakening in Clara, and a journey to free herself from the conventions that have dominated her life.
