For the longest time, women dedicated their lives to the family. So, after a divorce and after the kids grow up, it can be hard to imagine what happens after. Some choose to remain single, but for many women, it can feel like the start of another life totally lived for one’s self. Gloria was, then, one of the few depictions of a woman at this time, but writer-director Sebastián Lelio depicts this slice of life as is– without over-sentimentality, but with honesty; without pretentiousness, but with a calm and even direction. The slow, naturalistic approach might not be to everyone’s taste, but Gloria is a charming character study, made much more real with Paulina García’s excellent performance.

Paulina García. This wouldn’t have worked without her.