Latoya Austin
Lullaby (Cinco Lobitos) is currently awaiting a UK release date.
Lullaby formed part of the Spanish film celebration, Viva el Cine Espanol, at this year’s Glasgow Film Festival. Following Costa’s mesmerising performances in Only You and Victoria, her involvement in any film is likely to pique an audience’s curiosity, and in Lullaby, she is nothing short of outstanding. Combine this with Pedro Almodovar’s comment that this is ‘undoubtedly the best Spanish cinema debut in years, and Lullaby is sure to garner much interest.
As its name suggests, Lullaby provides a soothing exploration of parenthood as Amaia (Costa) and Javi (Mikel Bustamante) become new parents. As the couple grapples with the demands of a new baby and the unexpected pressure of sleepless nights, their lives are fraught with uncertainty and joy. Observing the delightful chemistry between Costa and her co-star is joyous as lightness initially permeates the film through their playful interactions. But tension slowly seeps in over time, notably when Javi receives a work opportunity meaning that he would be away for months, leaving Amaia alone.
Such pressures within other films would be a breaking point and concluding element. Yet, Lullaby refuses to succumb to the established tropes and embraces the belief that it takes a village to raise a child as Amelia moves back to her parent’s home on the Basque Coast. Director Alauda Ruiz de Azúa never opts for a simplistic, lazy, feel-good tone. Instead, Amaia’s disappointments and doubts are exposed throughout the runtime. Here the impressive performance of Costa holds together the dramatic and emotional complexity of Ruiz de Azúa’s assured debut as the challenges surrounding motherhood are placed centre stage.
Lullaby effectively offers us a sensitive portrait of family life, as seen through Amelia’s eyes as she finds her own identity and confidence as a new mother. Through Ruiz de Azúa’s sensitive direction, the film explores the importance of family as Amaia is supported and assisted by her grandparents and parents. Here Lullaby reflects upon the circle of life through its character focus, stunning cinematography and gentle, rhythmic beat.
Heartwarming and poignant, Lullaby eschews a potentially grim outlook with a portrait of family strength, belonging and love. The result is a richly performed and thought-provoking directorial debut.
GIRL
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Lullaby (Cinco Lobitos)
Spain | 1hr 44min | 2022
Heartwarming and poignant, Lullaby eschews a potentially grim outlook with a portrait of family strength, belonging and love. The result is a richly performed and thought-provoking directorial debut.
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