New Movies: Becoming Ana (2024) by Marta Nieto: A Mother's Journey of Self-Discovery Alongside Her Child's Identity
- dailyentertainment95
- May 29
- 10 min read
Marta Nieto's "La mitad de Ana" ("Becoming Ana") is a drama about Ana, a museum guard and mother whose routine is upended when her 8-year-old daughter, Son, begins exploring her gender identity. This journey forces Ana to rediscover her own suppressed identity and dreams, becoming "Ana again" to truly support her child.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21903842/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/469068/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/la-mitad-de-ana (Spain)
Detailed Summary
Ana is a museum guard, meticulously balancing her professional life with the demands of raising her eight-year-old daughter, Son, in a post-separation routine. Her seemingly stable world begins to shift when Son, at the start of a new school year, embarks on a personal journey of identity exploration, expressing discomfort with her assigned gender. This unexpected development throws Ana into confusion and disorients her perspective. As she navigates her daughter's evolving identity, Ana is subtly pushed to look inward. She begins to question her own life, recognizing how much of her self has been subsumed by her role as a mother. "La mitad de Ana" portrays Ana's slow, often challenging, rediscovery of the woman she was before becoming a parent, highlighting her dreams, pleasures, and ambitions that had been set aside. The film suggests a parallel, intertwined transition: for Ana to truly help her daughter embrace her authentic self, Ana herself must embrace her own "hidden half," becoming Ana again. The narrative is intimate, heartfelt, and sensitive, touching on themes of motherhood, identity, shared custody, and the healing power of art, without making the child's transsexuality the sole focus, but rather a catalyst for the mother's personal growth.
Plot summary
Ana's Routine Life: Ana works as a museum guard, balancing her job with caring for her 8-year-old daughter, Son, in a post-separation routine.
Son's Identity Exploration: The film's inciting incident occurs when Son begins to explore her gender identity, expressing that she doesn't feel like a girl but a boy.
Ana's Confusion and Internal Journey: Son's revelation prompts Ana to a state of confusion and introspection. She decides to pause and observe her daughter, which in turn leads her to look inward and understand herself.
Rediscovery of Self: Ana realizes that she has suppressed her own identity, dreams, and desires since becoming a mother. The journey with Son becomes a catalyst for Ana to rediscover the woman she was before parenthood.
Dual Transition: The film depicts a parallel and interconnected transition: Son's journey to self-identification and Ana's journey to reclaim her individual identity beyond motherhood.
Themes of Acceptance and Support: As Ana confronts her own feelings and the societal implications, she endeavors to understand and support Son's evolving identity, recognizing that to do so, she must first re-embrace her own authentic self.
Director's Vision
Intimate and Sensitive Portrayal: Marta Nieto, in her directorial debut, aimed to create a heartfelt and sensitive feature, tackling the personal "grey areas" for a mother of a trans child.
Focus on the Mother's Journey: While dealing with child transsexuality, Nieto deliberately places this issue in the background, choosing instead to focus on the mother's emotional journey and self-discovery, making it a "double transition."
Personal Exploration of Motherhood: Nieto stated that "Motherhood is a beautiful and dangerous place," reflecting her vision to explore the complexities of a mother's identity and the ways it can be pushed aside.
Subtle Visual Language: The film employs mise-en-scène techniques such as close-ups, blurring, and reflections, along with animation techniques, to convey Ana's internal chaos, confusion, and bewilderment.
Healing Role of Art: Nieto's vision also incorporates the healing role of art as a means for Ana to navigate her crisis situations, reflecting her character's job as a museum guard.
Authenticity and Nuance: The film seeks to present an intimate, honest portrait of a mother and child seeking to recognize themselves and each other, forging a bond that embraces authenticity and transcends expectations.
Themes
Identity and Self-Discovery: The central theme revolves around the dual journeys of identity exploration – Son's gender identity and Ana's rediscovery of her own suppressed self beyond motherhood.
Motherhood and Personal Sacrifice: The film explores the sacrifices inherent in motherhood and how a woman's individual identity can become hidden or diminished in the role of a caregiver.
Acceptance and Understanding: A crucial theme is the process of accepting and understanding a child's evolving identity, and the reciprocal need for the parent to understand themselves.
Transition and Transformation: Both Son and Ana undergo significant transitions, highlighting the fluid and evolving nature of identity and life.
Shared Custody and Family Dynamics: The film touches upon the complexities of separated parents co-parenting and navigating challenging family dynamics.
The Healing Power of Art: Ana's work as a museum guard and her interactions with art provide a subtle backdrop for personal reflection and a means of coping with her internal struggles.
Social Perceptions of Gender: While not central, the film implicitly addresses how societal binary views of gender can impact individual identity and family perspectives.
Key success factors
Marta Nieto's Dual Role: As both director and lead actress, Marta Nieto brings an intimate and authentic perspective to the story, widely praised for her sensitive portrayal and directorial vision.
Timely and Sensitive Subject Matter: The film tackles the increasingly relevant topic of child gender identity with sensitivity and focuses on the often-overlooked parental journey, distinguishing it from other similar films.
Intimate and Heartfelt Tone: Critics commend the film for its intimate, close, and emotional approach, making it relatable for viewers.
Strong Performances: Noa Álvarez as Son and Nahuel Pérez Biscayart as the father, alongside Nieto, contribute to the film's emotional depth.
Subtle Visual Storytelling: The use of close-ups, blurring, reflections, and animation helps to convey Ana's internal state, adding a layer of artistic expression.
Awards and Nominations
"La mitad de Ana (Becoming Ana)" has already received recognition:
1 Win & 1 Nomination total as of available information.
Winner: Audience Award for Best Feature Film at LesGaiCineMad, Madrid International LGBT Film Festival (2024).
Nominee: Golden Spike for Best Film at the Valladolid International Film Festival (69th Seminci, 2024).
Critics Reception
Cineuropa (Alfonso Rivera): Rivera praises Marta Nieto's directorial debut as a "heartfelt and sensitive feature" that tackles the "personal grey areas for the mother of a trans child." He notes that the film focuses on the "double transition" of both son and mother, with child transsexuality in the background. The review highlights the intimate and emotional nature of the film, as well as its discussion of job insecurity, shared custody, and the healing role of art.
El País (Javier Ocaña): Ocaña described the film as having "unevenness of the situations" but acknowledged it as a work that is "as ambitious as it is difficult to crystallize."
Fotogramas (Pere Vall): Vall rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "a film with strong social and sociological overtones, but which does not rule out a foray into fantasy."
Cinemanía (Philipp Engel): Engel rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, stating it "makes a virtue of modesty," although he cautioned it "runs the risk of seeming too self-absorbed."
Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics generally commend Marta Nieto's directorial debut for its sensitive and intimate approach to a challenging subject. While there's a consensus on its heartfelt nature and strong performances, some reviews indicate a degree of unevenness in its execution. The film is largely seen as a valuable exploration of identity and motherhood, focusing on the internal journey of the parent rather than solely on the child's gender transition, which sets it apart from similar works.
Reviews
Filmaffinity: User reviews generally align with the critical assessment, highlighting the film's sensitive handling of the mother's perspective on a child's gender identity. Viewers appreciate the focus on Ana's emotional journey and rediscovery of self.
IMDb Users: The film holds a user rating of 6.7/10 on IMDb, suggesting a generally positive reception. Comments from users tend to praise the nuanced portrayal of the family dynamics and Ana's personal evolution.
Overall Summary of Reviews: Audience reviews mirror the mixed-to-positive critical reception. Many viewers appreciate the film's tender approach to a complex topic and its focus on the mother's personal growth. The performances, particularly from Marta Nieto and Noa Álvarez, are often highlighted as strong points. While some might find the pacing deliberate, the emotional depth resonates with a significant portion of the audience.
Box Office
"La mitad de Ana" has a reported worldwide box office gross of approximately $42,226. This figure primarily reflects its theatrical performance in Spain, where it grossed around $42,226. These numbers suggest a more limited theatrical release, typical for independent dramas, with the film likely finding its broader audience through festival circuits and future streaming availability.
Production Summary
"La mitad de Ana" is Marta Nieto's feature film directorial and screenwriting debut. The project was developed through prestigious programs like the Spanish Film Academy's 'Residencias Academia de Cine' and D'A Film Lab Barcelona. The film is a Spanish-French co-production, primarily shot in Spain, demonstrating a collaborative effort to bring this intimate story to the screen.
Production companies
Elastica Films (Spain)
Avalon (Spain)
Mr Fields and Friends Cinema (Spain)
Studiocanal (France/Spain)
RTVE (Spain)
Movistar Plus+ (Spain)
À Punt (Spain)
Ayuntamiento de Madrid (Spain)
Madrid regional administration (Spain)
ICAA (Instituto de la Cinematografía y de las Artes Audiovisuales) (Spain)
IVC (Spain)
Sales companies
The Festival Agency (International sales)
Distribution Companies
Elastica Films (Spain)
Theatrical Release
"La mitad de Ana" had its theatrical release in Spain on January 10, 2025. It is also scheduled for a French theatrical release on May 28, 2025. Its festival run began earlier, with its selection to compete at the 69th Valladolid International Film Festival in 2024.
Why to recommend this movie
Powerful Exploration of Identity: The film offers a nuanced and empathetic look at both a child's gender identity journey and a mother's parallel journey of self-discovery.
Marta Nieto's Directorial Debut: It's a strong first feature from a talented actress, showcasing a confident and sensitive directorial voice.
Intimate and Relatable Story: Despite the specific context, the film's themes of parental love, personal sacrifice, and rediscovering oneself are universally resonant.
Sensitive Portrayal of a Complex Topic: It handles the subject of child gender identity with grace and focuses on the emotional impact within the family, rather than sensationalizing it.
Artistic and Emotional Depth: The film uses subtle visual cues and strong performances to convey deep emotional states, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas.
Why to Watch Movie
For a Fresh Perspective on Motherhood: It goes beyond traditional portrayals of motherhood to explore the often-hidden aspects of a woman's identity after becoming a parent.
To Understand Personal Transitions: The film provides insight into different forms of personal transition, both explicit (gender identity) and implicit (self-rediscovery).
If You Appreciate Independent Spanish Cinema: It's a prime example of thoughtful, character-focused Spanish drama that engages with contemporary social issues.
To Witness a Strong Acting Performance: Marta Nieto delivers a compelling performance that anchors the film's emotional core.
For a Thought-Provoking and Emotional Experience: The film is designed to make you reflect on your own identity, relationships, and the meaning of acceptance.
Movie Trend
The New Wave of Empathetic Social Dramas: "La mitad de Ana" aligns with a growing trend in cinema that uses intimate, character-driven narratives to explore contemporary social issues with profound empathy. These films often focus on marginalized voices or complex family dynamics, aiming to foster understanding rather than offering definitive answers. This trend is exemplified by other recent Spanish films like "20,000 Species of Bees," which also explores child gender identity, and other European dramas that prioritize human experience over overt political statements.
Social Trend
Gender Identity and Inclusivity in Family: The film directly addresses the significant social trend of increased awareness and acceptance of diverse gender identities, particularly in younger generations. It reflects the evolving conversations within families as children explore who they are, challenging traditional gender norms. More broadly, it touches on the contemporary emphasis on individual authenticity and the societal shift towards greater inclusivity and understanding of diverse personal experiences. It also implicitly highlights the need for parents to navigate these new social landscapes alongside their children.
Final Verdict
"La mitad de Ana" is a deeply heartfelt and significant directorial debut for Marta Nieto. It's a sensitive and necessary film that beautifully explores the intertwined journeys of self-discovery for a mother and her child navigating gender identity. While some critics noted minor unevenness, its profound emotional honesty, strong performances, and compassionate approach to a timely subject make it a highly recommended and impactful drama.
Recommendations for film makers
Focus on the Human Element within Social Issues: "La mitad de Ana" successfully demonstrates that tackling sensitive social topics is most effective when the narrative prioritizes the human experience and emotional impact on characters.
Explore Multiple Perspectives: The film's strength lies in focusing on the mother's journey alongside the child's. Filmmakers should consider how a challenging situation impacts all involved, rather than a single viewpoint.
Embrace Authentic Voice in Directorial Debuts: Marta Nieto's personal connection to the themes likely contributed to the film's intimacy and authenticity. New filmmakers should be encouraged to bring their unique perspectives to their work.
Utilize Subtle Visuals to Convey Emotion: The film's use of nuanced cinematography and editing to reflect internal states is a powerful tool for emotional storytelling, proving that not all visual impact needs to be grand spectacle.
Don't Shy Away from "Grey Areas": The film excels at exploring the complexities and ambiguities of human emotions and family situations, offering a more realistic and resonant portrayal.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Diverse Storytelling: The success and critical reception of "La mitad de Ana" underscore the importance of supporting films that explore diverse family structures and social issues with sensitivity and depth.
Nurture Talent with Comprehensive Programs: The development of this film through residencies and labs highlights the value of programs that provide mentorship and resources for emerging filmmakers, especially those transitioning from acting to directing.
Promote Empathetic Narratives: The industry should continue to greenlight projects that foster empathy and understanding around contemporary social changes, contributing to broader societal dialogue.
Recognize the Value of Independent Dramas: While not box office blockbusters, films like "La mitad de Ana" contribute significantly to cinematic art and cultural discourse, and their theatrical and festival runs should be valued.
Encourage International Co-productions: The Spanish-French collaboration showcases how international partnerships can enrich productions and expand their reach.
Final Conclusions
"La mitad de Ana" is a significant and moving entry into contemporary Spanish cinema, marking a powerful directorial debut for Marta Nieto. It offers a tender, honest, and deeply empathetic exploration of identity, motherhood, and the transformative power of acceptance within a family. By focusing on the mother's parallel journey of self-discovery alongside her daughter's exploration of gender identity, the film transcends being merely an issue-based drama, becoming a universal story about the human need to be seen, understood, and truly become oneself. Its critical acclaim and festival recognition affirm its place as an important, sensitive, and emotionally resonant film.
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