Clara Sola

COSTA RICA, 2022.

Available on streaming platforms. 

Through a tale of repression and spirituality enveloped in a veil of mysticism, director Nathalie Álvarez Mesén explores the way that social norms can be detrimental for those who don’t fit the box.

A woman in her forties named Clara (Wendy Chinchilla Araya) lives at the edge of a tropical forest with her elderly mother (Flor María Vargas Chaves) and her teenage niece Maria (Ana Julia Porras Espinoza). Clara’s child-like behaviours and her family’s overprotectiveness imply that she may be unable to live independently. The arrival of Santiago (Daniel Castañeda Rincón), a young man hired to help at the farm, shakes up the status quo. As her niece grows into a woman, a passage marked by a quinceañera party, Clara experiences her own sexual awakening and an increased desire for freedom. 

The protagonist is closely connected to the natural world: she has a special friendship with the family mare, Yuca, and seems to feel the energy of the landscape, predict the weather, absorb strength from the soil and even feel the presence of insects. This aspect of her character is portrayed through magical realism, with nature acting as a canvas for all kinds of small miracles, often witnessed by Clara alone.

Her spirituality is interpreted by others as a religious gift, tied to the image of the Virgin Mary whom she once had a vision of. Her mother turns her into a kind of healer that villagers depend on for weekly blessings inside a shrine that she set up for the purpose.  

While the family’s protective ways are somewhat understandable, they stand in stark contrast to Clara’s unbridled ways. They appear superficial, harsh and at times borderline abusive, raising questions as to whether her raw and spiritual way of living is the one that needs correcting. While monitoring and controlling her actions by offering constant assistance is a natural response to an unpredictable person, the film suggests that when Clara breaks away from restrictions, even for just a few moments, she finds bliss. 

Clara is rebellious and sensual yet full of innocence and wonder. A child, a teenager and a woman all in one, she explores the full spectrum of being, without filters or hesitation. This exposes her to ridicule and bemusement, but also to awe and admiration when people sense her magnetic aura. 

The setting of the film provides half the charm, and Chinchilla Araya is superb at brining Clara to life in all her shades and complexities. The story feels fable-like, which is both a merit and a limitation in that it is visually appealing yet doesn’t dig deep into the characters’ inner worlds, which remain elusive.

Clara Sola suggests that being different can sometimes mean being totally unsuited for social settings, but perfectly in harmony with the natural world. A valuable reminder.