Beauties of the Night

Beauties of the Night is a 2016 documentary film that hones in on the lives of several iconic performers from the golden age of Mexican burlesque. Directed by María José Cuevas, this movie features the acclaimed performers Olga Breeskin, Lyn May, and Rossy Mendoza among others. The film takes the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster as it uncovers the hues of glory, vulnerabilities, resilience, and the endurance of these women as they navigate life after their prime in the entertainment industry.

The film kick starts as a captivating time capsule journey back to the 1970s and 1980s, a period hailed as the glittering era of Mexican nightlife and showbiz. The cabaret performers, with their resounding popularity, were subjected to the relentless glare of the spotlight and the testosterone-driven landscapes of their profession. The electrifying performances, daring beauty, and charisma led these women to be canonized as the "Vedettes" of Mexico.

Individuals like Olga Breeskin, renowned violinist and dancer, Lyn May, famed for her timeless beauty and sensuality, and Rossy Mendoza, the versatile actress and dancer, are at the heart of the story. Though each followed a unique trajectory and had a distinct stage persona, they all faced similar highs and lows in their path, struggling through sexism, stereotype traps, scandalous press, and personal crises. What’s incredible about this story is that it not only focuses on the golden heyday of these performers but also sheds light on their current lives.

Cuevas spent nearly a decade filming "Beauties of the Night", documenting these resilient stars' tales of survival, and the end product is a celebratory yet poignant tribute to their unwavering spirit. The film strays away from being just another nostalgic walk, emerging as a subtle statement on femininity, aging, identity, and survival in a society that idolizes youth and beauty.

The scenes fluctuate between footage from the past and interviews in the present day. These intervals serve as nostalgic bookmarks that chronicle their ascent to stardom, exuberant peak days, their struggles, and gradual fade from national consciousness. The movie unravels their realities, both past and present, with a rawness that leaves the viewers hooked. It gives a closer look at the women's relationships and families, their personal battles, their valiant efforts to maintain relevance, and how they confront the reality of growing old in a society that has been unkind to aging women.

Lyn May's journey from her aspirations to be an eternal beauty, Olga Breeskin's transformation from being the 'queen of nightlife' to a devout Christian, and Rossy Mendoza's indomitable spirit to stay relevant - all unfold on screen with compelling candor. The film does an excellent job, neither shying away from displaying their imperfections nor taking away from their undiminished charm and power.

However, the true essence of the "Beauties of the Night" lies not only in the past stardom of these women but more in their resilience and how they've created a space for themselves in a world that has moved on without them. Enhancing this exploration is the cinematography of the film, which effortlessly captures the women's emotions and their surroundings - from their lavishly adorned homes reflecting their past glories to moving moments that show a glimpse of their off-stage, unvarnished lives.

The film's music perfectly complements the tonality of the film, with an excellent selection of classic and contemporary tracks outlining the women's tumultuous journey from stardom to oblivion and their struggle to rise from the ashes.

All closely scrutinized by director María José Cuevas, "Beauties of the Night" provides a rare and comprehensive look into the lives of these once-famed performers. The film elegantly balances the gloom with glitz, ensuring that it emerges as a symbol of resistance, empowering to watch, and heartening in its depiction of these women's unassailable spirit. It will leave you reflecting on the fleeting nature of fame, the resilience of these women, and the unavoidable process of aging, making "Beauties of the Night" a must-watch documentary for every cinema enthusiast.