The Holy Girl film review

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THE HOLY GIRL

A contemplative film on religion and sexual awakening, La Nina Santa (The Holy Girl) is a film could have easily fitted into the canon of the late Luis Bunuel. Although set in Argentina as opposed to Bunuel's native Spain, Lucrecia Martel's second film echoes many of the themes found in the great surrealist's work, notably his often acerbic fusion of religion and sexuality, with wily camerawork, full of odd choices, that are redolent of an absurdist's touch. But this is no simple imitation - The Holy Girl stands on its own feet as a largely engaging work.

Set in a northern Argentinian hotel that has seen better days, the film concerns the relationship between the middle-aged Doctor Jano (Carlos Belloso) and a teenage girl named Amalia (Maria Alcher) who is the daughter of the hotel manager. Jano is in town for an ear, nose and throat conference, and unlike his boisterous colleagues who largely want to go out on the razzle, Jano devotes himself to the important matter of his upcoming presentation. Although he is a rather innocuous looking character, the young Amalia starts to become obsessed by him, and when he inadvertently brushes past her one day, her young passions begin to stir. But being a good Catholic girl, she not only resists any carnal temptations, but begins to look upon Jano as a Christ-like figure that needs human redemption.

While initially flattered, and aroused, by the young girl's attentions, Jano soon realises that any relationship would put his position in some jeopardy. Instead, he turns his attentions to Amalia's mother (Mercedes Moran), who is helping him with his presentation. Amalia's fervent doctor-worship begins to crack, leading to a conclusion that leaves us with a sense of mystery and impending scandal.

Martel, who shares the writing credit, does a sly job in terms of direction and exposition. Recurring shots of ears and noses heighten the doctor's professional quest. Jano seems to be constantly sweating, not only from the heat, but from the unexpected attentions of the girl. A swimming pool is repeatedly used, again to heighten Jano's temptation as he sees the girl and her friend cavorting about. The hotel is a wise choice as the central setting: large enough to have several distinct locations, but equally serving almost as a prison for the increasingly confused doctor.