Movies: Yo no soy Esa (2024) by Maria Ripoll: A Waking Dream of a New Reality

A Rip in Time Yo no soy Esa is a Spanish comedy-romance film directed by María Ripoll. The story follows a young woman named Susana who falls into a coma in 1999 and wakes up in 2024. Emotionally and psychologically still a teenager, she must navigate a world that is completely foreign to her, all while being stuck in an adult woman's body. The film explores the generational gap and the absurdities of modern life from the perspective of someone who has missed two decades of technological and social evolution.

Why to watch this movie: A Nostalgic and Humorous Journey

• A unique twist on the "fish-out-of-water" comedy: The movie uses the classic trope of a character displaced from their time to create a series of relatable and humorous situations. It's not just about a generational clash; it's a personal journey of self-discovery.

• The brilliant performance of Verónica Echegui: As the lead actress, Echegui brings a perfect blend of adolescent angst and adult maturity to the role of Susana. Her portrayal is central to the film's success, making the audience feel for her character's predicament while laughing at her misadventures.

• A blend of comedy and heartfelt moments: While the film is a comedy at its core, it also delves into more emotional themes of loss, identity, and the struggle to reconnect with loved ones after a long separation.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/yo-no-soy-esa (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/yo-no-soy-esa (Germany)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27672967/

About movie: https://www.sonypictures.es/pelicula/yo-no-soy-esa

What Trend is followed?: The Nostalgia-Driven Narrative

This film taps into the ongoing nostalgia trend, particularly for the late 1990s and early 2000s. The film's premise is built on the idea of a character frozen in a specific time period, and a significant part of its humor and charm comes from the juxtaposition of her '90s mindset with the realities of 2024.

• The movie leverages a widespread longing for a simpler time, before the ubiquity of smartphones and social media.

• It uses familiar cultural touchstones from the late '90s, like music, fashion, and social norms, to create a strong sense of place for Susana's character, which resonates with audiences who grew up during that era.

Director's Vision: The Human Element in a Changing World

María Ripoll's vision for Yo no soy Esa centers on the emotional journey of her protagonist, rather than simply focusing on the technological advancements she's missed.

• Focus on human connection: Ripoll prioritizes the emotional impact of Susana's return. The film is less about a checklist of new technologies and more about her relationships with her family and friends, who have aged 25 years.

• A light and hopeful tone: Despite the emotional weight of the premise, Ripoll keeps the film's tone light and optimistic, creating a feel-good story that is both funny and moving.

• Subtle social commentary: Through Susana's eyes, Ripoll offers a gentle critique of modern society's obsession with technology, social media, and the rapid pace of life.

Themes: Identity, Time, and Self-Acceptance

• Identity crisis: The core of the film is Susana's struggle with her identity. She is biologically an adult but psychologically a teenager, and she must reconcile these two parts of herself to find her place in the new world.

• The passage of time: The movie serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes and how much a person can miss. It also explores the idea that some things, like love and friendship, can transcend decades.

• Nostalgia and adaptation: The film explores the tension between clinging to the past and learning to adapt to the present. Susana's journey is a microcosm of the human experience of letting go of what was and embracing what is.

Key success factors: The Perfect Blend of Elements

• A strong, relatable premise: The "waking up from a coma" story is a powerful narrative hook that immediately engages the audience.

• A talented lead actress: Verónica Echegui's performance is the linchpin of the film. Her ability to convey both a teenager's naiveté and an adult's vulnerability is what makes the movie work.

• Humorous and heartfelt writing: The screenplay successfully balances comedic moments with genuine emotion, making the film both entertaining and meaningful.

Awards and Nominations: Recognition and Praise

While specific award wins are still emerging, the film has been noted for its critical reception and has been a strong contender in various film festivals. The director, Maria Ripoll, is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful director in Spain, which brings significant credibility to the film.

Critics reception: A Pleasant Surprise

The critical reception for Yo no soy Esa has been largely positive.

• Hobby Consolas: Describes the film as "a very humble and modest comedy in its ambitions," noting that while it doesn't try to be groundbreaking, it "leaves a good taste in your mouth."

• Diario La Vanguardia: Calls it a "cultural clash and frustrating reunions in another rom-com," but notes that "despite the good performances, it seems like a half-cooked idea."

• Cinemanía: States that "the first part of the film is very fresh, fun, and suggestive," and overall, it's a "pleasant, light comedy" that "reflects with a certain superficiality (which is appreciated) on matters that are important today."

Overall, critics see the film as a light and entertaining rom-com that benefits from a strong performance by its lead actress, even if it doesn't break new ground for the genre

Reviews: An Audience Favorite

Audiences have generally enjoyed the film, often praising its humor and emotional depth.

• Plex: Reviewers on this site often highlight the film as a "fun and charming" choice, perfect for a "relaxed afternoon." They praise Verónica Echegui's "brilliant" performance and the comedic moments that arise from the generational clash.

• FilmAffinity: User reviews on this platform reflect a similar sentiment, with many calling the film "entertaining" and "funny." They appreciate the feel-good nature of the story and the relatable themes.

Overall, the audience's consensus is that the movie is a well-made and enjoyable comedy that succeeds in its mission to entertain and evoke a sense of nostalgia.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Time-Slip Comedy

This film follows the time-slip comedy trend, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. This genre typically involves a character being transported to or from a different time period, leading to humorous situations as they try to adapt to their new surroundings. The focus is on the comedic clash of cultures, with a touch of drama as the character grapples with their personal journey.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Digital Disconnect

The film taps into the social trend of digital disconnect and the collective anxiety about the rapid pace of technological change. It provides a unique perspective on a world saturated with smartphones, social media, and instant communication, seen through the eyes of someone who remembers a time before it all. The film subtly encourages reflection on our reliance on technology and what we may have lost in the process.

Final Verdict: A Charming and Timely Rom-Com

Yo no soy Esa is a delightful and clever romantic comedy that uses a familiar premise to explore deeper themes of identity and human connection. Led by a fantastic performance from Verónica Echegui, the film is both genuinely funny and surprisingly heartfelt. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it's a charming and timely film that offers a welcome dose of humor and nostalgia. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a feel-good movie that also makes you think about the world we live in today.