An Argentinian/Chilean production by director Mauricio López Fernández, La Visita centres around a young trans woman, Elena, who returns home to attend her father’s wake. The entire film takes place on the property of a doctor, home to his wife, their kids, an eccentric mother-in-law condemned to the upstairs, and a full staff, one of whom is Elena’s mother Coya.
Elena, played by incredible trans actress Daniela Vega, understands that talking matter-of-factly with the rest of the household will not be enough to resolve the ‘uncomfortable situation’ caused by her reappearance as a woman. Interestingly, while Elena’s struggle to find acceptance as a trans woman is the centre of the action, each character appeals the audience with their own ordeal.
Coya, for instance, is a deliciously blended character; it’s near impossible to shun her for shunning her trans daughter. As a servant to the doctor and his family, Coya struggles with class throughout the film while also coping with the loss of Elena’s father. More than missing her late husband, though, she is stricken by the loss of a strong male presence in her life. It’s endlessly entertaining to watch her as she attempts to satisfy her lust for young meat–a feat that, at her age, requires a lot of creativity.
Teresa, the doctor’s wife, is also struggling. She is left emotionally vulnerable by a husband who doesn’t come home nights. Though she is on the verge of erupting, Teresa continues to pretend that she is running the show. No one in La Visita is able to talk about what is going on with them, personally. Instead, Fernández uses facial tics to powerfully communicate characters’ true feelings.
The film wraps up with a sensuality expressed by Vega’s character in a few isolated moments, at night, or alone in front of her bedroom mirror. Viewers will fall for her almost immediately and stay on her side throughout, even while sympathizing with almost every character in the film. Because there is little dialogue and the action is confined to the house and surroundings, La Visita has a slow, dreamlike quality. Viewers will find themselves wondering about each character as the story unfolds, in this intense and intimite venture.
La Visita played at this year’s Vancouver Queer Film Festival, which runs until Aug 23. For festival showtimes and information, visit the VQFF website.