Messi and Maud

Messi and Maud is a 2017 Dutch drama film directed by Marleen Jonkman and written by Daan Gielis, featuring luminous performances from Rifka Lodeizen, Guido Pollemans, and young Marie Pestel. The film draws viewers into a uniquely intimate narrative about personal desires, identity, and the nuances of human connection set against the expansive and rugged landscapes of Chile.

Rifka Lodeizen stars as the charismatic, resilient yet emotionally vulnerable Maud, a Dutch woman grappling with the realities of her childlessness. Maud joins her boyfriend Frank (played convincingly by Guido Pollemans) on a trip to South America, where they plan an adoption. The course of the story takes an abrupt turn when Maud finds herself alone after a heated argument with Frank, which acts as the catalyst for a journey of discovery and self-acceptance that she hadn't anticipated.

Embarking on a personal, impromptu road trip, Maud encounters a vibrant and varied cross-section of Chilean society. It's during this voyage that she encounters the boy Messi (impressively portrayed by Cristóbal Farias). Messi, despite his young age, becomes a significant figure in Maud's tumultuous journey. The pair embark on an emotional journey together, exploring themes of consolation and empathy that the audience is invited to share.

Marie Pestel admirably supports the narrative with her role as a fellow traveler and mother, providing a foil to Maud's inner torment over her predicament, underscoring the complexity of womanhood and motherhood. The film uses these interactions to skillfully delve into the stark realities of infertility, grappling with societal expectations around motherhood, and the personal struggle a woman undergoes.

The film remains steadfastly character-centered, with the director and writer expertly fleshing out Maud's psychological journey. Director Marleen Jonkman ensures that the vast, desolate Chilean landscapes mirror Maud's inner state, providing a resonating emotional backdrop to the tale. The cinematography by Gregg Telussa beautifully captures the stark contrasts between the internal struggles of the characters and the striking external environments they inhabit.

Messi and Maud is a compelling exploration of the female psyche, the constraints of societal expectations, and the universal human desire for connection and understanding. At its core, it’s a story about loneliness and longing, and the fortitude that can sometimes emerge from those conditions. However, amidst the desolation and despair exists a strain of unexpected humor and warmth, which adds a rich, balancing undertone to the film.

The performances from the lead characters are critical to the success of the film. Lodeizen plays Maud with a beautiful blend of vulnerability and determination. Through her deft portrayal, she brings the intricacies of her character's struggle to life, providing a raw and realistic depiction of a woman at a crossroads in her life. Pollemans is commendable as well, antagonistically setting up the circumstances that thrust Maud on her personal journey.

Though Messi and Maud tackle some weighty and deeply resonant themes, it remains accessible and viewer-friendly in its narrative approach. The story evolves in unanticipated ways, mirroring the unpredictable nature of life and leading the viewer on a journey that is as engaging as it is thought-provoking.

Overall, Messi and Maud is a rewarding watch that fuses high-quality performances, beautiful cinematography, and sensitive storytelling. It marks a memorable entry in Dutch cinema that positively resonates with audiences across the globe. This film is a testament to the power of understated and emotional storytelling. As the movie wraps, viewers are left with a lingering sense of a shared human experience touched by pain, resilience, and undeniable hope.