La flaqueza del bolchevique

Pablo López is a dull businessman who engages in an unusual relationship with a fourteen-year-old, María. This will change his perception of life in a way he would never have suspected.

Based on a brilliant novel by Lorenzo Silva (who also co-writes the screenplay), the movie is quite loyal to the original text, although some pivotal parts seem to have been lost somewhere in between the novel and the script (the meaning of the title is not explained, for instance). Nevertheless, the writers are to be praised for their marvelous dialogs, which make the characters more real and unaffected.

The two leading actors (Luis Tosar and teen María Valverde) provide excellent performances. Valverde's performance is extremely unaffected for a debut, while Tosar once more shows his natural skill and versatility. It's a pity two fine actresses such as Mar Regueras and Nathalie Poza are left with not much more than a couple of scenes each, but the focus of the story is clearly and understandably set on the leads.

Given that this is only director Martín Cuenca's first film, I am eager to see what he will be directing in the future.

Overall rating: 8/10