Vanilla

In 1980s Mexico, eight-year-old Roberta (Aurora Dávila) lives in a house with six other family members, all of whom are women. They’re seen as the oddballs within their small, conservative community, referred to as “the nurses” behind their backs. Everything changes when an eviction notice arrives one day. As Roberta watches her family struggle to find a means of paying their debt, she begins to see herself and her loved ones in a different light. The feature debut from Narcos actor Mayra Hermosillo, Vanilla is a joyous ode to family that’s both touching and playful. Despite its incredible amount of heart, its plot lacks focus, and is as chaotic as the large household.

This film’s greatest strength is its family dynamic. Whether it’s Roberta’s obsessions with taking photographs and dancing or an older relative’s determination to get their favourite song played on the radio, each of the women has their own unique and colourful personalities that blend wonderfully with the rest of the family. Much of this feature is comprised of small interactions within the household that range from uplifting joy to devastating heartbreak. Hermosillo perfectly captures every shade of emotion as viewers follow the family’s attempts to save their home.

Although the premise is simple, the plot itself becomes a jumble of various story threads. Alongside the women’s efforts to raise money, the feature also sees Roberta deal with not having her father in her life anymore as she gears up to participate in a Father’s Day talent show. On top of those, there are also flashbacks to a traumatic event at a beach, as well as the various goings on amongst the family members. There are so many ideas competing for attention that it becomes difficult for the script to give each of them the right amount of attention, which consequently results in some inclusions feeling underdeveloped.

Even though some of its elements are a little undercooked, Vanilla’s high spirits constantly shine through, right up to its bittersweet conclusion in what is a spectacular feature debut from Hermosillo.

Andrew Murray

Vanilla does not have a release date yet.

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