Back to Stay

When the grandmother of three sisters dies, each of the sisters handles her death differently in this coming of age drama written and directed by Milagros Mumenthaler. At its heart, Back to Stay could almost be a play in that the majority of the film takes place in the constructs of their home.

As their grandmother was their guardian, her death sends ripples into their sibling relationship. Ironically, each sister is almost the polar opposite of each other with Marina (Maria Canale) taking the role of matriarch, Sofia (Martina Juncadella), the rebel and Violeta (Ailin Salas) who plays the classic holier than thou teenager. As the story progresses, each of them is forced to become the adult that was played by their grandmother as relationships are shattered and rebuilt again.

The real problem with Back to Stay are the many questions not answered by the script which leaves you asking what, where and why? Is there any other family, was there grandmother rich? It's these little questions that become a tad niggly as you watch the events unfold.

Although the film is in Spanish, the actresses who play the sisters each portray their character uniquely different that assists the viewer in investing some time into the story of this broken family. All in all, Back to Stay is a well written family with an exceptional cast and a powerful story.

Recommended to those that love foreign films.