Genre: Drama
Directed by Pablo Larrain and available exclusively on MUBI, Ema is a sexually-charged Chilean odyssey chronicling the aftermath of an abortion gone awry.
In a huge tonal shift from his previous film, Jackie (2016), Larrain explores anger, desire and self-liberation in a beautifully shot and choreographed account of reggaeton dancer, Ema (Mariana Di Girolamo), and her choreographer husband Gaston’s (Gael Garcia Bernal) fragmented relationship.
It’s an infectious film full of wonderful performances, beautiful cinematography and a hypnotic soundtrack – but it isn’t without its faults.
You certainly need time to adjust to Ema. It’s a challenging film and, at times, a draining experience to watch; but give it a day or two and there it is, lingering and still on your mind.
Ema is admittedly self-indulgent and a film that too often appears somewhat happy with itself. But where many could have failed to provoke a pensive response from their audience, Larrain succeeds.
