
A Fantastic Woman
dir. Sebastián Lelio · 2017
Plot
Somewhere in Santiago at a dimly-lit nightclub, Orlando, the kindly and well-off owner of a textile company, locks eyes with Marina, a hopeful singer and the roughly half-his-age love of his life. But, unfortunately, after Marina's birthday celebration and a night of passion, Orlando falls gravely ill--and by the following morning--he dies in hospital. In the wake of her companion's untimely death, Marina will soon realise that, from now on, everything is brought into question: her involvement in Orlando's death, their unconventional relationship; and above all, her right to mourn her beloved deceased. In the end, what was Marina's crime; a deed so hideous that would rob a fantastic woman of her respect, her dignity, and ultimately, her identity?
Why watch
"A Fantastic Woman" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and identity, following Marina as she navigates the turbulent waters of grief and societal rejection. With its intimate visual style and deeply emotional narrative, this film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of mourning and the fight for dignity in the face of prejudice.
Talking points
- the representation of transgender identities in film
- the complexities of love and loss
- societal norms and their impact on personal relationships
- the role of music in expressing grief