garconniere’s ten favourite films of the decade you (probably) haven’t seen: #1
1. xxy (lucia puenzo, 2007)
i had seen the cover of this film at queen video dozens of times, and had always thought about renting it, but the time never seemed right. but one day when morgan and i were there, this movie picked us. we both loved it, and fell in love with ines efron and the character she plays, alex. i watched it three times in 24 hours, i could not believe how beautiful it was. like most of my other favourites on this list, it is the combination of a unique story about a strong main character, combined with incredibly beautiful cinematography that makes it stand out.
instead of falling into a boring “coming of age” routine, we truly feel connected to alex without engaging in othering and exoticising the character. one of the most apt portrayals of the complicated nature of being a parent, or a teenager, without being trite or dismissive, which i think takes some real skill. there’s not much more i can say about this movie without worrying about giving it away, but i’m really looking forward to more of puenzo’s films.
imdb
recommended if you like: the virgin suicides, middlesex, volver
