Power, Religion, and the Place of Women Dominate Antonio Chavarrías’ High-Profile Malaga Competition Contender ‘Holy Mother’
variety.comFilm Constellation, transports us to the 9th century where Emma, a newly appointed abbess, is tasked with the formidable challenge of repopulating and revitalizing frontier lands on the edge of Muslim territorie,s at the bequest of her powerful family.
The film was set up at Chavarrias’ Barcelona-based Oberon Cinematográfica with Wanda Visión, Icono 2020 AIE, and Saga Film. At the story’s center is Daniela Brown’s (“Días Mejores,”) portrayal of Emma, a young abbess whose divine conviction is matched only by her unyielding resolve. “Emma always thinks that her power emanates directly from God; in that conviction there is a certain naivety,” reflects Chavarrías.
The portrayal illuminates Emma’s journey, as she navigates a maze of societal expectations and political intrigue, her every action surrounded by doubters. “Ignorance preserves innocence,” one monk tells her.
Few of the fellow sisters are there for devotion, but rather have been sent by their families for a variety of reasons. One is Eloisa played by Blanca Romero who is a woman unafraid of life’s passions antagonizing the chaste Emma as being more object than true woman.
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