‘Creatura’ Review – An Emotionally Charged Coming Of Age Drama [Cannes 2023]

Elena Martin Gimeno’s brand new directorial feature, Creatura, delves into the complex and sensitive realm of sexual trauma with a raw and unapologetic approach. Set against the backdrop of a family summer house in the picturesque coastline of Maresme, the film takes us on a journey through the tumultuous inner world of Mila, portrayed with incredible depth and nuance by Elena Martin Gimeno herself. With a compelling script and remarkable performances, Creatura immerses the audience in a profound exploration of sexuality, trauma, and self-discovery.

At the center of the film, Gimeno’s performance as Mila is nothing short of extraordinary. She embodies the character with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength, capturing the intricacies of Mila’s emotional journey with remarkable precision. Through subtle gestures and expressive eyes, Gimeno conveys a myriad of emotions, painting a vivid picture of Mila’s inner turmoil. Her performance is nuanced and understated, drawing the audience closer to the character’s pain and growth. It’s truly astounding to see just how talented she is both in front of and behind the camera.

Alongside Gimeno, the supporting cast delivers stellar performances that further enhance the film’s impact. Claudia Dalmau shines as Marcel, Mila’s understanding and supportive boyfriend. Dalmau brings a natural authenticity to the role, portraying Marcel’s unwavering love and devotion to Mila in a heartfelt manner. Oriol Pla’s performance as an enigmatic artist adds an intriguing layer to the narrative; his character’s presence leaving a lingering sense of mystery.

The strength of Creatura lies in its emotionally charged script. The film fearlessly delves into uncomfortable subject matter, unafraid to confront the darkest corners of Mila’s past. The fragmented storytelling, weaving together flashbacks of Mila’s earliest moments of sexual awareness at the age of five and her teenage years at fifteen, creates a deeply introspective narrative. The script is unflinching in its exploration of trauma, allowing the audience to witness the profound impact it has on Mila’s psyche.

The film’s ability to elicit a visceral emotional response from viewers is one of its most powerful aspects. It tugs at the heartstrings, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions throughout its runtime. From the tender moments of intimacy and connection to the searing pain of past wounds resurfacing, Creatura leaves a lasting impact. The raw honesty of the storytelling resonates deeply, offering a cathartic experience for those willing to confront the complexities of sexual trauma.

Despite its many strengths, Creatura does have a few flaws that warrant mentioning. At times, the film feels a little too short, leaving certain aspects underdeveloped. Some scenes could benefit from additional exploration and depth, as they rush through important moments in Mila’s journey. Additionally, the side characters, while portrayed adequately, do not receive as much attention or as interesting story arcs as the central characters. Their presence, while serving a purpose, feels somewhat underutilized.

Creatura is a powerful and daring debut from Elena Martin Gimeno, showcasing her talents as both a director and an actress. The film’s exploration of sexual trauma is unflinching, propelled by the incredible lead performance of Gimeno herself. With a script that evokes deep emotions and a captivating narrative structure, Creatura forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and challenges us to empathize with the complexities of the human experience. While it may feel a bit short and some side characters lack depth, the film’s emotional resonance and the remarkable performances make it a worthwhile and thought-provoking cinematic experience. It’s a coming of age film unlike any you’ll likely ever see. It’s always a breath of fresh air to see a brand new film try something original and fresh instead of doing the same old thing. Creatura thankfully falls into the former.

Ceatura had its World Premiere in the Director’s Fortnight section of Cannes Film Festival 2023.

Director: Elena Martín Gimeno

Writers: Elena Martín Gimeno, Clara Roquet

Rated: NR

Runtime: 112m