Amber Wilkinson’s incredible steal
When drama meets daring, the result is often pure cinematic gold. Mikel Gurrea’s latest feature, <Saints>, is a perfect example of this, weaving a poignant mother-daughter relationship with the high-stakes tension of a classic heist film.
At the heart of the narrative is Victoria Luengo, whose career continues to shine brightly, following acclaimed performances in films like <Bitter Christmas> and <The Beloved>, and her earlier work in <Cork> (Suro).
In <Saints>, Luengo embodies Lali, a character defined by her status as a petty thief and a restless drifter. Her ordinary life is dramatically upended when she is faced with an extraordinary challenge: caring for her mother, who is terminally ill.
Seeking solace and a desperate means to care for her family, Lali finds herself making a fateful choice. The story takes a sharp turn when she steals a carving of a saint from the hospital chapel. This impulsive act sets her on a collision course with a dangerous world.
As Lali attempts to fence her find, she is drawn into the orbit of a formidable group led by Rosario, a former nun who quickly becomes a second matriarch in Lali’s tumultuous journey. This encounter introduces a layer of complexity, transforming a simple theft into a deeper exploration of belonging and survival.
Set against the backdrop of the Barcelona neighborhood also known as Saints, the film captures the intense emotional and criminal landscapes of its characters, making it a compelling visual and narrative experience.