Bright Future screening - review - THE AMAZING CATFISH by Claudia Sainte-Luce

A young woman named Claudia shared a hospital room with an ill mother who invites her to stay at their home. There, Claudia grows to love each of the family members who, in the meantime, are going through their own personal tragedy as the condition of their mother worsens. 

 

Claudia Sainte-Luce’s feature debut is a family drama full of warmth. While The Amazing Catfish has its fair share of clichés that come with the genre, it never gets in the way of the film, but rather uses a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere to its advantage. What is more is that through a competent direction, the screenplay is never allowed to appear too saccharine and melodramatic or even overshadow the film’s genuine portrayal of humanity. 

 

Much can be said about the acting too, with the cast’s performance competently bringing the colourful characters with their talents and imperfections as well as clearly defined distinctive traits to life. Among them, Ximena Ayala in the role of Claudia stands out, in a role that provides a stronghold in the film’s solid emotional structure.

 

 

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