2024 Movie
Dir. Carla Gutierrez · United States of America · English, Spanish
The iconic Mexican artist, in her own words
Frida Kahlo is an iconic Mexican painter, not just because of her outstanding art, but also because of her outlook in life, despite her ill health and tragic accident. Because of this, she has been talked about in multiple books, movies, and exhibitions, but a new documentary has popped up, this time from her own words. Carla Gutierrez’s directorial debut is a revelation, voiced primarily in Frida’s native Spanish and paired with key archival footage, vivid animations of her paintings, and an excellent acoustic score plucked from classical guitar. Being a biographical documentary, fans of the artist would, of course, be familiar with her life events, but Gutierrez’s approach is still worth watching, mostly because it’s Frida’s own words driving the film.
An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo. Told through her own words for the very first time — drawn from her diary, revealing letters, essays, and print interviews — and brought vividly to life by lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork.
"Gutierrez gives us a Frida we can believe in."
— Bilge Ebiri
""Frida" offers an addition to Kahlo’s legacy that was long overdue. While it’s far from a definitive study of her achievements, the film brings the painter back to life in a manner sure to initiate further study from fans and novices alike."
— Christian Zilko
The words of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, from her diaries, letters, essays, and interviews, are now brought to life in vivid animations inspired by her unforgettable artwork.
It’s great to hear Kahlo’s own words used for her own biography, especially in her native Spanish, but it feels strange to see Kahlo’s paintings animated. It would definitely split some viewers, as the well-done animation thankfully gives some movement to the archived photos, but it would alienate more ardent fans that would consider her work untouchable.
Frida Kahlo is an icon for a reason.
Oscars
2 wins · 4 noms
Venice
1 win
Golden Globes
2 noms
BAFTA
1 win · 3 noms
SAG Awards
2 noms
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
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