Robe of Gems

Wealthy Isabel takes residence in her mother’s modernist villa in rural Mexico with her teenage daughter and younger son. Her housekeeper Maria’s sister has disappeared and Isabel wants to help, but offering any aid in these circumstances can bring unintended consequences. Mood trumps narrative to powerful effect in López Gallardo’s atmospheric drama, mapping a climate of fear – at both a domestic and social level – with small gestures, quietly observed action and atmospheric sound. López Gallardo has edited the work of Lisandro Alonso, Amat Escalante and Carlos Reygadas, and the sense of rhythm and mood honed on films like Jauja and Post Tenebras Lux is deployed powerfully in this tale of the ways in which the drug cartels influence all aspects of Mexican life. Screened as part of the First Feature Competition. “Dazzlingly accomplished and confident debut” **** Peter Bradshaw, Guardian.

LFF digital screenings are not available on the Samsung TV app or via casting from the iOS app.