In a remote village in Costa Rica, 40-year-old Clara endures a repressively religious and withdrawn life under the command of her mother. Her uncanny affinity for creatures large and small allows Clara to find solace in the natural world around her. Tension builds within the family as Clara’s younger niece approaches her quinceañera, igniting a sexual and mystical awakening in Clara, and a journey to free herself from the conventions that have dominated her life.
For thoughts on Clara Sola, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
Clara Sola comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p truly sumptuous presentation. This is a visually rewarding experience shot on film, which is readily apparent as you see all the beautiful film grain that resolves without issue. There are persistent beautiful shots of nature in this village where you can see a robust amount of detail. The film is saturated with vivid colors that radiate from the lush nature to some of the outfits on display. The interiors are detailed in terms of texture in the production design. The highlights are handled beautifully, along with the lovingly deep blacks that do not appear to suffer from any compression artifacts. The skin tones are complex and natural all around. This presentation is every bit as lovely as it deserves.
Audio Quality
The Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original Spanish that captures a very active soundscape that transports you to this locale. Dialogue comes through crisp and clear without ever being clipped by the sound effects or the score. The sound design is as precisely executed as the delicately captured visuals with all of the sounds positioned carefully in the mix. The environmental effects create a rich soundscape of wildlife and weather such as rainfall. This is a very low-key film, and the activity in the low end is felt only when it makes sense in the presentation. The atmospheric score is showcased delightfully here with a gently enveloping use of the surround speakers. This is an excellent release that nails everything that is asked of it.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Director Nathalie Álvarez Mesén, producer Alan McConnell, and director of photography Sophie Winqvist provide a commentary track in which they reflect on the production of the film, concerns they had at different points, the inspiration behind certain scenes, casting and working with the performers, the movement of the camera, and more.
- Short Films: Four early short films from Nathalie Álvarez Mesén are provided that tackle themes of family dynamics, burgeoning sexuality, and more that would continue into Clara Sola.
- Asunder (17:57)
- Filip (11:35)
- Letting Go (4:49)
- Molt (14:46)
- Theatrical Trailer: A two-minute trailer is provided here.
Final Thoughts
Clara Sola is a narratively nimble drama that portrays oppression and desire in unique ways that hit home thematically. The impeccable lead performance from Wendy Chinchilla Araya brings so much pathos to the character that wrenches your heart with each development. The movie is modest in scope, but the intimacy that is nurtured throughout the journey leaves you reeling at the end. Oscilloscope Laboratories has presented a Blu-Ray that features a really amazing A/V presentation and a nice assortment of special features that will help increase your appreciation of the film. If you love international cinema with an eye towards female empowerment, this is a vital watch. Recommended
Clara Sola is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Oscilloscope Laboratories has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
