DIRECTOR: Maite Alberdi
STARRING: Elisa Zulueta, Francisca Lewin, Gabriel Canas, Marcial Tagle, Pablo Macaya
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 35 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
In Chile, in 1955, it's the case of Maria Carolina Geel, a popular writer who murders her lover and captivates Mercedes, a shy secretary working for the judge assigned to defend the accused.
***
Maite Alberdi has been nominated for two Oscars for The Mole Agent and The Eternal Memory. Her latest film, In Her Place, is the Chilean entry for the Oscars and it's a film adaptation of “Las Homicidas,” an essay by the Chilean writer Alia Trabucco Zerán. Director Maite Alberdi delves into the true story of María Carolina Geel, a national writer who shot and killed her lover at the Crillon Hotel in 1955. The film debuted across theatres in Chile in September. It competed at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival. It was released on Netflix on October 11th.
Regarding the selection of In Her Place, the Minister of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Carolina Arredondo, highlighted that “it is very gratifying to see how local talent is established and continues to gain international ground, especially when this goes hand in hand with teams led by women."
The film was produced by Fabula, with Rocio Jadue, Maite Alberdi, Juan de Dios Larrain and Pablo Larrain.
In Her Place is a crime drama and it was filmed in Santiago, Chile.
To check out all previous submissions for Chile, click HERE.
STARRING: Elisa Zulueta, Francisca Lewin, Gabriel Canas, Marcial Tagle, Pablo Macaya
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 35 minutes
LANGUAGE: Spanish
In Chile, in 1955, it's the case of Maria Carolina Geel, a popular writer who murders her lover and captivates Mercedes, a shy secretary working for the judge assigned to defend the accused.
***
Maite Alberdi has been nominated for two Oscars for The Mole Agent and The Eternal Memory. Her latest film, In Her Place, is the Chilean entry for the Oscars and it's a film adaptation of “Las Homicidas,” an essay by the Chilean writer Alia Trabucco Zerán. Director Maite Alberdi delves into the true story of María Carolina Geel, a national writer who shot and killed her lover at the Crillon Hotel in 1955. The film debuted across theatres in Chile in September. It competed at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival. It was released on Netflix on October 11th.
Regarding the selection of In Her Place, the Minister of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Carolina Arredondo, highlighted that “it is very gratifying to see how local talent is established and continues to gain international ground, especially when this goes hand in hand with teams led by women."
The film was produced by Fabula, with Rocio Jadue, Maite Alberdi, Juan de Dios Larrain and Pablo Larrain.
In Her Place is a crime drama and it was filmed in Santiago, Chile.
To check out all previous submissions for Chile, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Those of us bored with being who we are need a place where we can be no one.”
In Her Place, directed by Maite Alberdi, is a captivating blend of true crime, feminist fable, and personal transformation that delivers an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Set in 1950s Santiago, Chile, the film follows Mercedes, a mild-mannered secretary who becomes unexpectedly entangled in the life of a real-life murderess, Maria Carolina Geel. By skillfully weaving historical fact with an imaginative storyline, Alberdi crafts a film that feels both grounded in its period setting and vibrantly relevant to modern audiences. This mix of genres and tones results in a unique cinematic offering that is both deeply reflective and wonderfully entertaining.
Elisa Zulueta’s portrayal of Mercedes is a true highlight, bringing charm and complexity to a character who, despite being overburdened by the demands of her home and work life, never loses her spark. Zulueta infuses Mercedes with a quiet resilience, balancing moments of light-hearted humor with the underlying tension of her situation. As Mercedes steps into Geel’s luxurious world, we see her slowly awaken to new possibilities, even if her escape is fleeting. Zulueta’s performance is nuanced and compelling, making Mercedes both relatable and inspiring.
Alberdi’s direction shines in the film’s visual and thematic storytelling. The lush cinematography by Sergio Armstrong captures the contrast between Mercedes’ stifling life and the liberating, glamorous world of Geel’s apartment. The elegant production design and period costumes help transport viewers to 1950s Santiago, while maintaining a slight dreamlike quality that reflects Mercedes’ personal journey. The film’s use of these aesthetic elements to underline its themes of female empowerment and societal constraint is masterfully done.
What truly sets In Her Place apart is its seamless blend of lightness and depth. While it tackles serious issues such as the limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society, it does so with a sense of humor and playfulness that makes the film feel accessible and enjoyable. Alberdi strikes a perfect balance between the film’s feminist undertones and its entertaining, Hitchcockian intrigue. Mercedes’ exploration of Geel’s life offers moments of wit and levity, while also encouraging deeper reflection on the roles women are forced to play both in public and private spheres.
In Her Place is a richly rewarding film that stands out for its originality and heart. Maite Alberdi’s bold move into narrative fiction pays off, offering a film that is both stylish and substantive. With strong performances, a compelling storyline, and a perfect blend of humor and drama, In Her Place is a cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impression. It is no surprise that this film is Chile’s submission for the Best International Feature Oscar, as it deftly explores themes of identity, freedom, and the quiet rebellions that shape our lives.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“Those of us bored with being who we are need a place where we can be no one.”
In Her Place, directed by Maite Alberdi, is a captivating blend of true crime, feminist fable, and personal transformation that delivers an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Set in 1950s Santiago, Chile, the film follows Mercedes, a mild-mannered secretary who becomes unexpectedly entangled in the life of a real-life murderess, Maria Carolina Geel. By skillfully weaving historical fact with an imaginative storyline, Alberdi crafts a film that feels both grounded in its period setting and vibrantly relevant to modern audiences. This mix of genres and tones results in a unique cinematic offering that is both deeply reflective and wonderfully entertaining.
Elisa Zulueta’s portrayal of Mercedes is a true highlight, bringing charm and complexity to a character who, despite being overburdened by the demands of her home and work life, never loses her spark. Zulueta infuses Mercedes with a quiet resilience, balancing moments of light-hearted humor with the underlying tension of her situation. As Mercedes steps into Geel’s luxurious world, we see her slowly awaken to new possibilities, even if her escape is fleeting. Zulueta’s performance is nuanced and compelling, making Mercedes both relatable and inspiring.
Alberdi’s direction shines in the film’s visual and thematic storytelling. The lush cinematography by Sergio Armstrong captures the contrast between Mercedes’ stifling life and the liberating, glamorous world of Geel’s apartment. The elegant production design and period costumes help transport viewers to 1950s Santiago, while maintaining a slight dreamlike quality that reflects Mercedes’ personal journey. The film’s use of these aesthetic elements to underline its themes of female empowerment and societal constraint is masterfully done.
What truly sets In Her Place apart is its seamless blend of lightness and depth. While it tackles serious issues such as the limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society, it does so with a sense of humor and playfulness that makes the film feel accessible and enjoyable. Alberdi strikes a perfect balance between the film’s feminist undertones and its entertaining, Hitchcockian intrigue. Mercedes’ exploration of Geel’s life offers moments of wit and levity, while also encouraging deeper reflection on the roles women are forced to play both in public and private spheres.
In Her Place is a richly rewarding film that stands out for its originality and heart. Maite Alberdi’s bold move into narrative fiction pays off, offering a film that is both stylish and substantive. With strong performances, a compelling storyline, and a perfect blend of humor and drama, In Her Place is a cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impression. It is no surprise that this film is Chile’s submission for the Best International Feature Oscar, as it deftly explores themes of identity, freedom, and the quiet rebellions that shape our lives.
