Luke McWilliams gives his review of the Spanish film, Wishlist (La lista de los deseos), starring Silvia Alonzo and María León.
In Seville, Spain, recently single Mar (Silvia Alonzo) turns to her best friend Eva (María León) for support. Over a glass of wine, Eva asks Mar to check a lump that is concerning her. At her first session of chemotherapy, Eva meets Carmen (Victoria Abril), who suggests the three of them come up with a list of three things they have always wanted to try. Soon the trio are travelling across Morocco in an RV to check the items off before hearing their results from chemotherapy.
Written and directed by Álvaro Díaz Lorenzo, Wishlist balances drama and comedy well. Eva is passionate and dynamic, dramatically dumping her hesitant boyfriend before hitting the road with her best friend and veteran cancer patient Carmen, who on her third diagnosis serves as a guide for Mar. Whereas Mar and Carmen are full of life, Eva is more measured, fully aware of the weight upon her.
The environment is beautifully captured. The sounds, smells and warmth of Morocco are ever-present as the trio go from one comical list-item after another covering mild theft, reconciliations and, of course, love. While some men pop up over the trip, the story is driven by the three women, who are set on living their best lives while they can.
Verdict: A poignant and very funny story of women supporting each other through hardship. 3.5 stars.
Wishlist is screening as part of this year’s Spanish Film Festival at Palace Electric Cinemas.
- Luke McWilliams | themovieclub.net
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