From Jeff Nelson

The Sundance Film Festival is no stranger to father-daughter stories, having programmed many such narratives over its existence. However, director/co-writer Klaudia Reynicke brings Peruvian social-political commentary into an overall tender drama about two daughters wrestling to discover a place of belonging in the middle of a conflict between two parents and the only country they’ve ever known as home.

Sisters Aurora (Luana Vega) and Lucía (Abril Gjurinovic) are preparing to leave their country forever when their mother, Elena (Jimena Lindo), makes plans for the three of them to seek greater opportunity elsewhere. However, their absent-father, Carlos (Gonzalo Molina), must sign the exit papers to allow them to make this move. He suddenly decides to re-enter their lives, seeking to reconnect with them in the short time before their departure.

Reinas takes place during a particularly volatile point in Peru’s social, economic, and political history, leading to many families fleeing the country they called home. With limited resources, a looming enforced curfew stands in effect to combat acts of terrorism, and opportunity is scarce. Elena works hard for her daughters, but Carlos’ efforts to suddenly take on a father-figure role undermine her parenting, earning him points with Aurora and Lucía.

Reynicke weaves spiritual aspects into this family drama, connecting ancestral ties from the past into the present. Lucía speaks with Abuela (Susi Sánchez) about the girl’s Aunt Mechita, whose fate runs concurrent with the family’s ongoing hardships. The youngest daughter seeks to believe in something within her family, which feels fractured, and is about to become even more disconnected after leaving Peru.

Carlos calls his daughters his “reinas,” translating to “queens,” willing to say anything to earn favor with them. He progressively grows closer with Aurora and Lucía through their trips to the beach and dune-riding, but Reinas’ secret weapon is actually hidden in its sisterhood. There, the film develops its richest characterizations, which develop in fascinating ways in response to their relationships with their parents. It isn’t necessarily the narrative’s primary focus, but it’s an emotionally-palpable surprise that lands rather well.

Reinas’ sincerity largely comes from Vega and Gjurinovic’s performances as Aurora and Lucía. They make an excellent pairing, who are utterly convincing in their respective character’s motivations, allowing the roles to blossom in beautiful ways. Meanwhile, Molina is an absolute standout as Carlos, allowing the role’s subtleties to shine through. His yearning to connect with his daughters is felt, even when the character struggles to find the words or the actions necessary to demonstrate his true intentions.

Reinas tucks tenderness into the pockets of a universal struggle for safety and belonging. From its broad narrative strokes to its personal characterizations, the drama remains a little slight, never quite swelling to emotional highs, but it never reads as insincere. It’s the type of gentle storytelling that finds the greatest strength in small, quiet moments.

Rating: 3/5

Reinas played Sundance 2024 on January 22nd, 2024.

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