Is Nélida Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Nélida, a standout production of 2023, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, Comedy landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Nélida is in her 70’s and has lived alone in her small apartment for so long, that the pandemic that puts the world into confinement brings no change to her routine, except for her daughter’s visits becoming more frequent. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Nélida is in her 70’s and has lived alone in her small apartment for so long, that the pandemic that puts the world into confinement brings no change to her routine, except for her daughter’s visits becoming more frequent. Until the day she gets a call from a radio show that intends to introduce her to a love suitor, dynamiting the wall she built around herself and cornering her own perception of reality."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Mirella Pascual does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Celeste Lois is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 18 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Nélida truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Nélida explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Celeste Lois respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Nélida is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mirella Pascual or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Nélida is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.