***TRIGGER WARNING! THE ATTACHMENT DIARIES DEALS WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES INVOLVING BIRTH CONTORL***
The Attachment Diaries is a stylish neo-noir that takes on a number of heavy themes. Set in 1970s Argentina, things open with Carla (Jimena Anganuzzi) heading to a clinic in order to have an abortion. Since she is four months along, the doctor (Lola Berthet) refuses and offers to sell the baby. The pair are soon caught in a dangerous relationship powered by insecurities and deception.
Writer-director Valentin Javier Diment wastes no time setting up the plot. Once things begin, The Attachment Diaries slows down and establishes its characters. Carls is obviously desperate, but also has a mysterious past that is cleverly foreshadowed in conversations she has.
Though Irina has offered to help Carla through her pregnancy, she initially seems to care only about the unborn child. As the erotic thriller progresses, the two form a bond over shared trauma. While The Attachment Diaries becomes more brutal, Irina becomes increasingly human.
The performances are captivating. The pair run a gamut of emotions that will cause audiences to empathize with them, worry for them, and be frightened of them. The acting pulls anyone watching into the twisting story. The amazing chemistry is also a huge part of the film’s draw.
The Attachment Diaries will keep audiences guessing with a story that covers a number of topical subjects. The best part about the writing is the ability to address everything without ever feeling overwhelming. This is especially difficult since it is a character study and mystery with elements of horror. Despite switching genres with seemingly each changing scene, each moment becomes more suspenseful and meaningful.
The ending will probably be the most divisive moment. There is a great build that is the culmination of the relationship between Cara and Irina that also deals with the central plot involving the baby. It is an anxious moment that will lead to dread over what possibly will happen and concern for the two women. The abrupt conclusion feels intentional, but also disappointing after the careful pacing from earlier.
The Attachment Diaries opens at the IFC Center May 26
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