The Good Girls

The Good Girls (Las Niñas Bien) is a visually-rich, critically-acclaimed Mexican drama film released in 2018, directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella. The film stars the talented Ilse Salas, Flavio Medina, and Cassandra Ciangherotti in the central roles, vividly portraying the lives of the social elite during a significant period in Mexican history.

Set in 1982, as Mexico grapples with a severe economic crisis, the film centers around the life of Sofia (played by Ilse Salas), a woman belonging to the upper class of Mexican society. Sofia prides herself on her refined lifestyle, cultivated tastes, lavish parties, and the status quo she enjoys in a world that is defined more by social gatherings and appearances than anything else. Just as we slowly turn the pages into Sofia's world, we observe that beneath the veneer of grandeur and opulence lie deeply-rooted insecurities and mounting anxiety about the rising economic and social upheaval that invariably threatens their way of life.

The film efficiently explores Sofia's world through her relations and interactions with her husband Fernando (Flavio Medina), who struggles to maintain his financial empire amidst the worsening financial situation. What makes this narrative appealing is Sofia's denial and defiance to conform to the changing tides, and her desperate attempts at ignoring the impending doom that could upturn her life entirely.

Cassandra Ciangherotti features as Alejandra, one of Sofia's close female friends who seem to move to the rhythms of Sofia’s life, where social status, appearances, and pretensions take the center stage, moving away from the real-world issues of the day. Each character eloquently walks us through emerging disparities and social dynamics attributed to the financial crisis.

The narrative extends to reflect on the socio-economic realities faced by the Mexican society during this tumultuous period. As the country's economy crumbles, so does the fabricated world of these high-society ladies, who are left with no option but to confront their worst nightmare - downward mobility. The beautifully assembled ensemble cast masterfully potrays an atmosphere of looming tension, personal reevaluations, altered equations, and inevitable transitions.

One star of the film that unabashedly shines through every single frame is the director's detailed observation of this world of opulence. Alejandra Márquez Abella exhibits an exquisite directing prowess characterized by a sophisticated blend of poignant storytelling, meticulous character development, and keen social commentary. The director places great emphasis on the intricate details of the era and the class divide it fostered, thereby managing to capture the very essence of the period.

The film's visuals are nothing short of a treat, featuring plush mansions, sprawling lawns, and extravagant fashion that serves as the very basis of these women’s identities. However, the dazzling mise-en-scene isn't simply for 'show.' From Sofia's stunning outfits to high society gatherings, every element feels intrinsic to the exploration of the characters' internal strife as their reality rapidly decays before their eyes.

Where ‘The Good Girls’ truly excels is in painting a comprehensive picture of Mexican high society during the 1982 economic crash. Relying heavily on metaphorical sequences, visual cues, and subtle performances, it renders a realistic portrayal of the socio-economic situation, making the audience privy to an inside look at the insular lifestyle of the Mexican elite during this turbulent era.

The film's nuanced storytelling through the trials and tribulations of Sofia and Fernando, combined with the collective journey of the high-society ladies, truly sets the film apart. The powerfully layered narrative, matched with immaculate performances from the entire cast, particularly from Ilse Salas, engages the audience from start to finish.

The film, despite its lighter moments and an array of colorful parties, does not shy away from showcasing a profound social commentary and an uncompromising inspection of a society in flux. In its heart, ‘The Good Girls’ sets out and succeeds in painting an illustrative landscape of a glided universe on the brink of an irrevocable collapse.

Overall, this visually arresting, thought-provoking cinematic piece is a versatile showcase of director Alejandra Márquez Abella’s adeptness in grasping the pulse of the audience with effortlessly coherent storytelling despite the complex themes at play. Whether you’re a fan of international cinema or a connoisseur of socio-political dramas, the 2018 film 'The Good Girls' offers a captivating, immersive cinematic experience that explores privilege and societal breakdown like few others.