Synopsis: Anto, Marti, and Lai are a throuple blissfully living together in a remote house, with nothing but their beloved bundle of dogs keeping them company. When Lai leaves for a work trip, the balance is thrown off and Marti and Anto must adapt to being just the two of them. Suddenly, the dreaminess of their secluded home becomes isolating, and all they have to rely on is each other.
What is normal? By definition, it’s conforming to a standard or condition, but like most things, it is completely made up. Not only is it fabricated, but it was cultivated to comfort whatever group of people were in power at the time along with their theological moral compass. Now, while we can all mostly agree on what is terrible such as senseless and unnecessary violence and anything to do with harming children, when it comes to marriage, relationships, and sexuality, we’re as divided as well, as almost everything else in America. We are told that people who don’t fit a specific mold are unnatural or not normal. However, from what I gather, those who feel that way are afraid to live their truth. Don’t let anyone stop you from being your authentic self because normal is boring.
“I’ll be back soon, love.”
No matter the type of relationship or how many people are in it, when love is involved, it’s always complicated. Written, directed, and starring Ruth Caudeli, Petit Mal is a beautiful and delicate exploration of passion and power dynamics. This LGBTQIA+ drama is gentle, sensual, honest, and a genuine peek into a lifestyle that is rarely highlighted. It’s not often that we get to witness a polyamorous relationship on-screen outside of some sort of reality show or salacious documentary. We definitely rarely see one that consists of all women. Moreover, what makes this film special is that it’s loosely based on Caudeli’s life and experience. Taking place in a cozy secluded home, you can’t run or hide from your feelings when three people are involved. While the dialogue is spoken in delightful Spanish, the story is directed and acted in such an excellent fashion that you can watch it on mute and without subtitles and still feel and understand every aspect. A throuple and its issues may feel somewhat foreign or unique to the romantic situation, however, you’ll find that much of what takes place are universal couple problems and solutions.
“So, why are you with me?”
The film’s beauty lies in the intimate cinematography that switches from color to black and white, the space and focus that it lends to each scene, and the grounded nature of the writing. As the dynamics in the house shift and you begin to favor and relate to one of the characters, you can’t help but get swept up in the frustrations as the story will have you feeling like a fourth. This slice-of-life exploration doesn’t attempt to exploit, embellish, or manipulate, this film is about representation, truth, and normalization. At its core, this is a story about growth, longing, and the complexities of love. It’s filled with joy, sadness, affection, and an unexpected musical number. Petit Mal is a film you can enjoy with others and easily fall in love with. I enjoyed it a great deal. Its rewatchability is medium-high.
Pacing & Pop
The film’s pacing is smooth as it effortlessly transitions from scene to scene while still allowing you to become deeply entranced within any given moment. As love is put to the test and new bonds are formed, the film is over before you know it but leaves you satiated. What popped for me was the story’s honesty. It’s never easy to put your truth out there in the world for the world to see but that’s exactly what Caudeli did, in gorgeous fashion.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Ruth Caudeli, Silvia Varón, Ana María Otálora
This small cast delivers big performances. From concerned looks and soft kisses to dinosaur roars, the chemistry is off the charts. It all feels extremely genuine.
Petit Mal releases in theaters on January 27, 2023 and on digital on January 31st. Remain safe and enjoy.
Rated: R Runtime: 1h 29m Director: Ruth Caudeli Writer: Ruth Caudeli Producer: Sara Larrota Director of Photography: Andrés Botero Production Design: Daniela Vélez Llinás
Petit Mal is a beautiful and delicate exploration of passion and power dynamics.
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
