Rita Lopez wanted to be seen as “saintly”, she wanted to be the face of a miracle. Whether that be making sure her rosary is showing perfectly over her hand or positioning herself in the sunlight through the window of the chapel as she prays. After discovering a lost statue in the back room of her chapel she creates a plan with her husband, to create and be the center of a miracle. I don’t want to spoil it but before the unveiling of the statue things go horribly wrong. This film however was magnificently right and one of my top films I have seen all year.
This entire film is comprised of gorgeous shots, the beginning tactfully stocked with foreshadowing. The writing and visuals tell perfectly who Rita is and who she tried to be perceived as. I mean this woman wants to be viewed as a perfect person but during the film she shows us the opposite when it matters I mean for example, she sweeps (and mops) away a dog multiple times from the chapel, she counterfeits a statue to fake a miracle, she passes by a broken down bus where people are needing a ride, she steals her husbands money. Nothing very “saintly” if you ask me.
The film takes a turn around the halfway point when that “horribly wrong” stuff happens that you would not expect but it is so enjoyable. The story in it’s whole is beautiful, the films soul is bright, and this movie deserves everyone’s eye.
★★★★★
