A Fantastic Woman (2017)

Marina, a transgender woman who works as a waitress and moonlights as a nightclub singer, is bowled over by the death of her older boyfriend.

Director:

Sebastián Lelio

Writers:

Sebastián Lelio (screenplay), Gonzalo Maza (screenplay)

Stars:

Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes, Luis Gnecco

Won 1 Oscar. Another 24 wins & 32 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Daniela Vega	...	Marina Vidal
Francisco Reyes	...	Orlando
Luis Gnecco	...	Gabo
Aline Küppenheim	...	Sonia
Nicolás Saavedra	...	Bruno
Amparo Noguera	...	Adriana
Trinidad González	...	Wanda
Néstor Cantillana	...	Gastón
Alejandro Goic	...	Médico
Antonia Zegers	...	Alessandra
Sergio Hernández	...	Profesor de Canto
Roberto Farías	...	Médico SML
Cristián Chaparro	...	Masajista
Diana Cassis	...	Recepcionista
Eduardo Paxeco	...	Paramédico

Storyline

Somewhere in Santiago at a dimly-lit nightclub, Orlando, the kindly and well-off owner of a textile company, locks eyes with Marina, a hopeful singer and the roughly half-his-age love of his life. But, unfortunately, after Marina's birthday celebration and a night of passion, Orlando falls gravely ill--and by the following morning--he dies in hospital. In the wake of her companion's untimely death, Marina will soon realise that, from now on, everything is brought into question: her involvement in Orlando's death, their unconventional relationship; and above all, her right to mourn her beloved deceased. In the end, what was Marina's crime; a deed so hideous that would rob a fantastic woman of her respect, her dignity, and ultimately, her identity?

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Plot Keywords:

transgender woman | singer | waitress | death of lover | love | 

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Taglines:

Fearless, Powerful, Ravishing.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, sexual content, nudity and a disturbing assault

Details

Official Sites:

Fabula [Chile] Komplizen Film [Germany]

Country:

Chile Germany Spain USA

Language:

Spanish

Release Date:

2 February 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Fantastic Woman

Filming Locations:

Santiago, Chile

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$64,241, 4 February 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,020,988, 20 May 2018

Company Credits

Production Co:

Participant Media, Fabula, Komplizen Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The star, real transgender woman Daniela Vega, was hired as a script consultant. Even though she had no prior experience as an actress, after some time working with her, director Sebastián Lelio offered the lead role, which she accepted.

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Quotes

Bruno: [to Marina] I don't know what you are.

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Connections

Featured in The 75th Golden Globe Awards (2018)

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Soundtracks

Sposa son disprezzata
(from opera "Bajazet")
Music by Antonio Vivaldi
Performed by Daniela Vega

User Reviews

MAMI Film Fest Review. A Fantastic Woman.

A Fantastic Woman (Spanish: Una mujer fantástica), is a Tour-De-Force in all senses. Firstly, Daniela Vega (a proud trans woman herself) delivers the most moving performance of the year. Secondly, Writer-Director Sebastián Lelio makes a harrowing, arresting film about the difference between being 'human' & 'inhuman'. This Chilean Drama is a pure spell-binder!

'A Fantastic Woman' Synopsis: Marina (Daniela Vega), a waitress who moonlights as a nightclub singer, faces discrimination & humiliation by the family of her boyfriend, after he unexpectedly dies.

The Trans Community is a big part of our Community & they deserve equal respect & opportunity in our society. SADLY, however, not everyone in this World has the sensitivity or the heart to accept one has they are or who they choose to be. And 'A Fantastic Woman' is a tale of this harrowing & despicable act of others inflicted on a Trans Woman, who faces discrimination & is called the most deplorable things, just for being who she is. Its NOT an easy watch, because its literally what it is & how this needs to stop, no matter who you are.

Sebastián Lelio is a talented & brave man, who's intelligent enough to deliver a thought- provoking film, but never forgets to also make it a compelling drama. While we all know where the film is headed, its always engaging to see Marina battle her life with such courage. She isn't a weak woman, she's a brave soul, who faces the discrimination & never forgets her rights as a human being. Lelio & Gonzalo Maza's Screenplay is brilliant, no two options on that! Engrossing, Disturbing & Challenging, the Writing is top-notch at all times & delvers a strong, strong impact! Lelio's Direction is superb. He's handled this dramatic film with force. Benjamín Echazarreta's Cinematography is perfect. Soledad Salfate's Editing is crisp. Art & Costume Design are good.

Performance-Wise: Daniela Vega is truly remarkable as Marina. And I really hope she creates history by winning many accolades around the world for her stupendous performance her, opening a gate for the Trans community in film & beyond. Vega is affecting & courageous all through. There isn't a single false note in her portrayal. Undoubtedly, among the best performances of the year! Of the supporting cast, Francisco Reyes Morandé is wonderful in a cameo & Aline Küppenheim is first-rate.

On the whole, 'A Fantastic Woman' is indeed, FANTASTIC. Don't Miss It For The World.