ABRIL is playing at SBIFF (Santa Barbara International Film Festival), and I had the opportunity to see an early look. Here’s my spoiler-free take:
At the time of writing this review, I’ve seen seventeen films at SBIFF, and ABRIL is easily the most accessible and best feature. This is thanks to Maricarmen Merino for pouring her heart and soul into the lead character, Abril. Who is Abril? She’s a relatable parent of a teenager, trying to figure out her identity now that her family no longer needs her as much. And yes, I know that sounds like a lot of similar independent features of a protagonist that’s lost, goes through a big change, and comes out on top. Yet, in the capable hands of director Hernán Jiménez, audiences are treated to an intimate slice-of-life dramady that won me over, and has already announced that Concourse Media has boarded the film for sales ahead of its premiere [source].
Merino is also surrounded by a slew of lived-in characters that help make her independent transformation fun and engaging. While the film delves into dramatic themes, it skillfully balances them with humor. The ex-husband, Julián (Hernán Jiménez), brings comedic relief with his quirky antics surrounding coconut water. The bartender, Gabriel (François Arnaud), adds charm with his knack for crafting the perfect drink, while Don Beto offers a bittersweet relationship that evokes both laughter and empathy. All of these characters help or hinder Abril on her journey, making each interaction captivating for the audience.
The actors’ natural flow is due to Hernán Jiménez’s invisible directing style. ABRIL never feels like a movie. Instead, it plays out like scenes from real people’s lives. This is especially true in a beautiful montage of San José.
Final Thought: So far, ABRIL is my favorite feature at SBIFF. If “a stalker can change your life,” then I’m glad I let the stalker, Abril, into mine, and so will audiences.
ABRIL has its world premiere at SBIFF on Sat 2/7 – 3:00 PM
