Elena Knows (Elena Sabe) is a thriller from Argentina that revolves around Elena, a 65 year old woman suffering from Parkinson’s disease. She is determined to unravel her daughter, Rita’s cause of death, which is declared a suicide by the police. The film is now streaming on Netflix.
Story
Elena, excellently brought to life by Mercedes Morán, is convinced that her daughter, Rita is murdered after she is found dead in the bell tower of the church.
Despite Elena’s inability to move without her prescribed medication, which she is seen taking throughout the film due to her Parkinson’s disease, she is intent on finding the culprit and proving the official investigation that proved Rita’s death a suicide case, a lie.
Performances
Rita is a deeply layered character played well by Érica Rivas. The mystery of the character is well-kept.
Mercedes Morán does a commendable job of playing a witty protagonist with a disability in Elena Knows.
Despite her hardships including a hunchback that forces her to only look down and a slight limp, she has such a strong sense of self and a fierce desire for life, the character was maintained incredibly till the end.
The prosthetic makeup only made the performance look much more realistic.
Positives
Elena Knows encapsulates so much more than just the death of a character and the inevitable grief and denial that comes with it.
It captures the burden of coping with an incapacitating disease, which is felt both by the sufferer and the caregiver, our ableist society and the hoops disabled people have to jump, dogmatism, and how we can truly never know a person.
This film hits the trifecta with its amazing emotional rollercoaster, never-ending suspense that keeps one on their toes till the very end.
Negatives
Though a great plot, Elena Knows lacks secrecy as the clues are hidden in plain sight. The film suffers from pacing issues as the build-up of the whole story is pretty slow and sometimes even unclear.
The ending didn’t stick the landing as the makers compromised the crime aspect to drive home a message about domestic abuse and toxic motherhood. The intention was noble but failed to make an impact.
There are also a few scenes with other characters that are futile as they don’t add substance to the story.
Verdict
Elena Knows is a compelling thriller that excels in its portrayal of disability and grief. Mercedes Morán shines as Elena, and despite some pacing issues and a slightly predictable plot, the film masterfully tackles themes of ableism and toxic relationships.
Elena Knows
Director: Anahí Berneri
Date Created: 2023-11-25 11:58
3
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