The Heiresses
Asunción, Paraguay, 2013. Sixty-somethings Chela (Ana Brun) and Chiquita (Margarita Irún), both descendants of rich families, have been living together for more than thirty years, largely insulated from the troubles of the outside world. Times have changed though, and with debts mounting, the pair begins to sell off some precious heirlooms.
Ultimately the financial situation proves untenable, and convicted of petty fraud, Chiquita is sent to prison by a court order. Suddenly, the sheltered Chela must fend for herself. Swallowing her pride, she reluctantly begins working as a chauffeur for the other wealthy women of the neighbourhood. The changed circumstances lead her to, perhaps for the first time, contemplate her life and choices.
Critic Reviews:
- " With so many delicate moments, the women's performances, from theater actors and many non actors too, all had time to craft their characters. " – Katie Hogand (VultureHoun)
- " Directed with subtlety and a genuine affection for its protagonist, the film unfolds like a gentle dance, hitting notes of joy and regret without heavy-handed dramatics. " – Zhuo-Ning Su (Awards Daily)
- " Marcelo Martinessi's The Heiresses is a quietly powerful fable of hidden desires, long-lost escapades and a really deceptive look into how gender roles are devised in traditional films about older people. " – Shikhar Verma (High on Films)