'Sunday's Illness' (2018) is one of those Spanish dramas that uses silence and glances instead of dialogue with powerful effect. Director Ramón Salazar plunges us into a fractured relationship between a mother and daughter, left behind for thirty years. The daughter's seemingly innocent request becomes the key that unlocks the wounds both have tried to bury deep.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Annabel (Susi Sánchez) is a woman who has succeeded in every aspect of life. She has a wealthy husband and a luxurious life, but her happiness is shaken when, at a party at her home, she encounters a young woman in catering staff uniform. She is Chiara (Bárbara Lennie), the daughter she abandoned thirty years ago, when Chiara was just eight years old. Chiara comes with a strange request: she asks her mother to spend ten days together. Annabel agrees, not knowing what these ten days will bring. This shared journey becomes a journey into the dark heart of both.
Acting and Characters
Susi Sánchez as Annabel conveys coldness and inner fragility remarkably. She makes us feel her reluctance to open up, yet she cannot help but be drawn to her daughter. Bárbara Lennie as Chiara is no less impressive; she shows the pain hidden beneath a faint smile and distant eyes. Their interactions are full of tension that creates discomfort but is also compelling. Supporting characters like Greta (Greta Fernández) and Bernabé (Miguel Ángel Solá) help complete the story.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Ramón Salazar opts for a minimalist visual style and muted color palette, matching the somber atmosphere. The framing clearly emphasizes the distance between characters, whether in luxurious homes or vast natural landscapes. The music is simple but poignant, enhancing emotions without overpowering the sparse dialogue. The editing, with its slow pace, allows viewers to absorb every feeling of the characters.
Editorial Analysis
'Sunday's Illness' is a film that dares to ask painful questions: Is forgiveness truly possible when wounds are too deep to heal? And can a mother's love, absent for thirty years, be rebuilt? The film doesn't offer easy answers but takes us on a physical and psychological journey exploring the complexity of human relationships. Its strength lies in not judging any character, leaving interpretation to the audience. However, the slow pace may bore some, but for those who enjoy psychological dramas, this is a work worth watching.
Verdict
For those who enjoy dramas focusing on relationships and psychology, 'Sunday's Illness' is an excellent choice. Despite its slow pace, the performances and profound script will not be easily forgotten.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Outstanding performances by Susi Sánchez and Bárbara Lennie
- +Deep, layered screenplay
- +Beautiful cinematography that conveys emotion well
👎 Cons
- −Slow pacing may not appeal to those who prefer faster films
- −Some parts feel drawn out; could benefit from tighter editing
Top Cast
FAQ
The film does not have an official Thai title, but some call it 'โรควันอาทิตย์' or 'อาทิตย์แห่งความเจ็บป่วย'.
The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV in some countries.
No, it is an original screenplay written by Ramón Salazar with other writers.
