Barbara is a young woman with psychiatric problems and a caring, affluent husband. She shares a past with the former teacher Damian, who has been released from prison after 10 years. She involuntarily becomes involved with the life of Luis, recently unemployed and father of 12-year-old Elyse, who suffers from leukaemia and is obsessed by a Japanese anime princess.
Damian is dreading his re-entry into society, Luis wants to fulfil every wish of his terminally ill daughter and Barbara wrestles with the huge void in her life. Circumstances, cruel fate and good intentions lead to situations in which each of the protagonists is more or less forced to transcend their own limits – with far-reaching consequences.
The story, occasionally verging on the surreal, is told in a calm tempo and stylised images with subtle humour and cool drama. Magical Girl won the prize for Best Film and Best Directing in San Sebastián.
Film details
- Country of production
- Spain
- Year
- 2014
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2015
- Length
- 127'
- Medium/Format
- DCP
