by Billy Newbery
In Calle Málaga, we are welcomed into a simple, straightforward story with a big heart. One that joyfully plays on the edge of pain and pleasure throughout its small tale of a mother being kicked out of her apartment by her daughter, who is selling up the place to pay for her own messy divorce.
Through most of its runtime the film does play it pretty safe, never daring to delve too dangerously into the depths of this mother-daughter dispute. It does, however, do something that I have very rarely seen. With great intimacy and love, it unabashedly shows a romance between two older people with the vigour of young lovers. Physically and emotionally bringing us into their relationship with immense dignity.
The film concludes with an incredibly sharp ending that I wasn’t expecting, giving gentle power to the conflict that I didn’t think the film had in it. Calle Málaga is one of those easy watches that will keep you entertained and engaged, a film that many people will be able to find a ghost of their own life within. If you have ever been curious about the films of Morocco but have not yet dared to seek any out, Calle Málaga might be your warmest welcome.