The Currents: A Deep Dive into Milagros Mumenthaler's Exploration of Identity and Despair

_The Currents (Las Corrientes)_ is a character study directed by Swiss-Argentinian filmmaker Milagros Mumenthaler, focusing on the life of Buenos Aires fashion designer Lina, portrayed by Isabel Aimé González-Sola. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is featured in the New York Film Festival, delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal turmoil.

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The narrative begins with Lina receiving an award in Switzerland, where she feels out of place among her peers. In a moment of existential crisis, she discards the award and jumps into a river, an act that marks the beginning of her struggle with a newfound aversion to water. This phobia symbolizes a broader emotional numbness that permeates her life upon returning to Buenos Aires. Despite her seemingly perfect life—complete with a successful husband, Pedro (Esteban Bigliardi), and a young daughter, Sofia (Emma Fayo Duarte)—Lina grapples with feelings of disconnection and inadequacy.

‘The Currents’ TIFF Review: Haunted by Water, Adrift in Herself

Mumenthaler intricately weaves a narrative that examines the performance required to maintain societal roles. Lina's experiences reflect a tension between her public persona and her inner turmoil. The film captures her interactions with judgmental figures, such as her mother-in-law and a wealthy client’s granddaughter, highlighting the societal pressures that exacerbate her emotional distress. Lina's struggle is further complicated by her memories of a more modest upbringing, which contrast sharply with her current affluent lifestyle.

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The film employs a rich auditory and visual landscape to evoke Lina's psychological state. Mumenthaler uses ambient sounds and striking imagery to create a sense of disorientation, effectively immersing the audience in Lina's experience. The cinematography by Gabriel Sandru enhances the film's exploration of identity, portraying Buenos Aires as both beautiful and alienating.

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While the film has been praised for its originality and emotional depth, some critiques point to its final act, which attempts to provide a psychological explanation for Lina's condition. This shift may detract from the film's earlier ambiguity, suggesting a potential misstep in balancing elusiveness with clarity. However, Mumenthaler's commitment to her character's journey remains evident throughout the film.

‘The Currents’ TIFF Review: Haunted by Water, Adrift in Herself

• “I hate that look. Where have you gone?” — Pedro (Esteban Bigliardi)

Milagros Mumenthaler's "The Currents"

• “Nothing is original. It’s the viewpoint that you bring.” — Lina (Isabel Aimé González-Sola)

Milagros Mumenthaler's "The Currents"

_The Currents_ emerges as a poignant exploration of a woman's internal struggle against societal expectations and personal despair. Mumenthaler's film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and the often invisible currents that shape our lives. Through Lina's journey, the film resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of performance in their daily existence, making it a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.

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