The Holy Girl (la NiÑa Santa)

Independent Films, Film Profiles

In the Argentine town of La Ciénaga, two teenage girls—giggling comrades who whisper jokes and character assassinations during high school classes and religious lessons—find that the paradoxical stirrings of pubescent desire and their own devotionto God tug at their hearts in ways that will push the limits of their friendship. Lucrecia Martel’s second film builds tension with a subtle, steady hand, using the same unflinching insights into the awkwardness and vulnerability of human nature that fueled her debut film, La Ciénaga. A quiet encounter, an off-handed remark, a casual epiphany—even the most seemingly trivial moment becomes a revelation with Martel’s directing skill.