Table of Contents
Alauda Ruiz de Azúa’s film ‘Sundays’ has attracted considerable attention, especially after its premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. This film is featured in a prominent collection on Movistar Plus+, which includes other acclaimed titles such as ‘Sirat’ and ‘The Beloved’, starring the well-known actor Javier Bardem.
Critics have praised Ruiz de Azúa’s latest work as an impressive continuation of her prior achievements, including her debut feature ‘Lullaby’, which received high acclaim from filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar.
The narrative of ‘Sundays’ portrays a Basque family facing internal conflict during what should be a time of unity—a Sunday family lunch.
Instead of gathering together, the family experiences fragmentation, highlighting a profound irony articulated by Ruiz de Azúa. As the film progresses, economic pressures and personal choices contribute to the growing rift within the family.
The backdrop of family struggles
Central to this family drama is Iñaki, a father whose financial difficulties are mirrored in his strained relationships.
He has mortgaged his mother’s apartment to support his faltering restaurant business, creating a precarious situation for his family. The looming possibility of his mother’s passing raises concerns about inheritance and familial obligation. This financial strain serves as a catalyst for tensions within the household.
Ainara’s spiritual journey
The film’s pivotal character, Ainara, is the eldest daughter of Iñaki. Early in the narrative, she expresses a desire to attend a retreat organized by the local convent. This revelation sparks concern and confusion among her family members.
Iñaki questions her motives, sarcastically asking, “Why would you want to isolate yourself with a group of elderly women?” This inquiry sets the stage for deeper explorations of faith and personal identity.
Ainara’s journey unfolds as a process of discernment, guided by a charismatic young priest.
She confesses to having conversations with God, revealing a longing for connection that she does not seem to find within her family. In contrast, her mother, Maite, attempts to steer her toward a more conventional path, urging her to experience life fully before making such a profound commitment.
Exploring themes of love and communication
Central to the film is Ainara’s emotional turmoil following the death of her mother, a woman of deep faith. The absence of her mother, combined with Iñaki’s emotional detachment, drives Ainara to seek solace in figures such as Prioress Mother Isabel and the Father. This quest for maternal and paternal guidance underscores the film’s themes of familial love and the complexities of communication.
Visual narrative and thematic depth
Director Ruiz de Azúa has created a visually compelling film that employs a color palette mirroring the starkness of Ainara’s family home and the convent. He intentionally limits sky shots to emphasize the connection between these seemingly different worlds. The film’s textures and colors are carefully chosen to reflect the characters’ emotional journeys.
The film’s use of music significantly enhances its thematic depth. Nick Cave’s haunting song ‘Into My Arms’ resonates throughout, highlighting key moments of emotional intensity. Ainara’s involvement in the school choir adds another layer, contrasting the sacred and the secular as she navigates her first experiences of love and longing.
A modern reflection on faith and family
‘Sundays’ serves as a contemporary exploration of family dynamics and the quest for spiritual belonging. Ruiz de Azúa intricately weaves a narrative that examines the authenticity of Ainara’s spiritual pursuits. The film raises questions about whether her search is driven by genuine calling or a response to familial fragility. It invites audiences to consider the delicate balance between personal faith and family obligations, making it a relevant reflection on modern life.
As ‘Sundays’ approaches its release on October 14, the film is set to challenge viewers to reflect on the complex relationships between love, duty, and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.
