The Parrot and the Swan

Saturday 12^th October, 2013, 1pm – Curzon Mayfair, Screen 1
Sunday 13^th October 2013, 3.30pm – Screen on the Green

Director Alejo Moguillansky is on top form in this unique and touching romance between a filmmaker and a dancer. The actors (despite being mostly unknown) are all superb, providing believable and enthralling performances. Of note is lead actress Luciana Acũna, who portrays both insecurity and flirtatiousness without error. You will undoubtedly find yourself attached to the characters and their stories.

A fictional documentary within a documentary, the screenplay for The Parrot and the Swan alone is enough to grip the viewer with its heart-tugging tale of breakups and romance. However, it is Moguillansky’s execution that really completes the film, providing an authentic true story feel. Moguillansky pulls off the experimental concept with ease.

After the brilliant first half, however, the film soon spirals out of control. The documentary impression is lost when the protagonist is shattered by the news of a pregnancy, and immediately the realistic charm is gone. The story starts to lose direction and the viewer may become confused – the plot line doesn’t quite get back on track until the end.

Though it lacks structure, The Parrot and the Swan provides everything else you could ask of a film – laughter, heartbreak and experimentation. Touching but without pretence, the surprisingly simple story is relatable and will strike a chord with critics and audiences alike. Moviegoers should make sure to see this charming, romantic tale on the big screen.

Jack Whitfield

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