There are emotional films and then there are films that touch you. This film is one such case. A heart-wrenching story of the sudden death of a young girl’s mother, the film shows the extreme and even absurd lengths a father will go to to make his daughter happy. Some of the steps that the father takes might seem weird but it works in the film because there is nothing else that matters to him except his daughter.Leo and Alicia live together in Madrid with their 4-year-old daughter, Dafne. Although they both work, Alicia is the one that spends the most time with their child. Leo is more concerned with his job at a law firm and spends more time away from home. Alicia's sudden death changes things. Dafne is missing her mother terrible and when she meets Marta (an old friend of Leo), she asks her if she would like to be her fake mother which surprises both Marta and Leo. Leo wants to give a try but he soon realizes that no one can take Alicia's place and he can never forget her. He decided that he will be both the father and the mother for Dafne. It starts with a small game of Leo putting on lipstick at night, reading stories to his daughter, exactly like Alicia used to do. It greatly comforts Dafne. He takes the next step with wig. Dafne is doing much better now. To be as much like a woman, Leo now has to take the help of Alex, a cross dressing man whom he once insulted in the club. Things get risky when Leo doesn't bother about anyone and is very comfortable wearing wig, makeup and dress like a woman in public to drop his daughter off to school and at the same time continuing to be a man. He is warned by his closest firm at office and also by the psychiatrist at school that Dafne thinks her mother is not dead but Leo makes Dafne understand that it is just a game and he is really her father. The film ends when Dafne asks Leo (who is dressed as Alicia more and more now for his daughter's sake) that she wants to see her dad and when Leo asks what will we do with Mom, she replies when we miss her, we will close our eyes and just imagine her. Leo's hard work finally pays of and father and daughter (not mother and daughter) finally come close.
Leo's actions in the film as per the normal society rules can be potentially dangerous and very surprising and we actually see that in the film when he is actually bashed up by some youngsters thinking he is gay. This was a very bold subject that the film-makers chose and I personally loved it. It was directed with such compassion that even though you think what Leo is doing is not the best but you want to be with him. Never ever have I seen a scenario where a father will go any lengths for his daughter. Morally complex situations are shown with intelligence and compassion. Both Leo and Dafne give standout performances. The pace of the film is just perfect. The last scene when Leo is removing his make-up and Dafne helps him remove it because she now releases that her mother is no more and wants her father back, can easily bring tears in your eyes.
The film is about tolerance and acceptance. Strongly recommended. (8/10)
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