Name: Elena Knows
Genre: Drama
Released: 2023-11-16T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Mercedes Morán, Érica Rivas, Mercedes Scápola, Miranda de la Serna, Marcos Montes

The opening shot of Elena Knows lingers on Mercedes Morán’s weathered hands, trembling with Parkinson’s, as they flip through a photo album. This image sets the tone for Anahí Berneri’s drama: a story told through gestures and silences, where every quiver of Elena’s body speaks volumes. The camera doesn’t just show us Elena’s physical decline; it makes us feel the weight of her condition, the way it constrains her movements even as it fuels her determination.

Based on Claudia Piñeiro‘s novel, Elena Knows follows Morán’s titular character, a woman whose daughter Rita has died under suspicious circumstances. As her disease progresses, Elena becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Rita’s death, interrogating everyone from priests to schoolmates. The film’s structure is unconventional, bouncing between past and present as Elena pieces together fragments of Rita’s life. This narrative approach isn’t just a gimmick; it mirrors Elena’s own fractured state of mind, her memories and suspicions colliding in a way that feels visceral and unfiltered.

Berneri’s direction excels in capturing the claustrophobic intensity of Elena’s investigation. Morán delivers a powerhouse performance, her physicality a masterclass in conveying emotion through limited movement. In one particularly devastating scene, Elena confronts Rita’s boyfriend Pablo (Marcos Ferrante) at his workplace. The way Morán’s body tenses as she delivers her accusations—her voice steady but her hands shaking—is a study in controlled fury. It’s a performance that demands your full attention, and Morán never lets up.

The cinematography, too, is striking; the camera often lingers on Elena’s face, highlighting Morán’s expressive eyes and the subtle shifts in her expression. In one notable shot, Elena sits alone in a dimly lit room, her face half-shadowed as she stares at a photograph of Rita. The lighting doesn’t just create atmosphere; it underscores the duality of Elena’s grief—her public resolve versus her private despair.

Yet the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing stumbles at times, particularly in the middle act where Elena’s investigation feels repetitive. Some supporting characters, like Érica Rivas’ Rita or Miranda de la Serna’s younger version of the same, lack depth, serving more as ciphers than fully realized people. And while the nonlinear storytelling is initially engaging, it occasionally muddles the narrative, making it difficult to track key plot points.

Where Elena Knows truly shines is in its exploration of maternal love and grief. Elena’s relentless pursuit of justice isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about reclaiming her daughter’s legacy. Morán’s performance anchors this emotional core, making Elena’s pain palpable even in the film’s quieter moments. In one particularly poignant scene, Elena visits Rita’s grave, her voice breaking as she whispers apologies to her daughter. It’s a moment of raw vulnerability that cuts through the film’s tension, reminding us that beneath Elena’s steely exterior is a mother who has lost everything.

The film also delves into themes of faith and morality, particularly in its portrayal of Father Juan (Marcos Montes). The priest’s evasiveness and moral ambiguity add another layer to the story, raising questions about complicity and redemption. However, this subplot feels underdeveloped at times, leaving one wishing for more exploration of these complex themes.

In terms of genre fit, Elena Knows defies easy categorization. It blends elements of suspense, drama, and character study, creating a unique hybrid that sets it apart from more conventional thrillers or family dramas. This originality is both its strength and its weakness; while it makes the film stand out, it may also alienate audiences looking for a more straightforward narrative.

Elena Knows is a film that demands patience and engagement. It’s not an easy watch, nor is it meant to be. But for those willing to invest in its unconventional storytelling and Morán’s extraordinary performance, it offers a deeply rewarding experience. Berneri’s direction is nuanced and atmospheric, creating a world that feels lived-in and authentic.

Ultimately, Elena Knows is a compelling drama elevated by its lead performance and Berneri’s atmospheric direction. It’s a film about loss, love, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child—even after death.