New Movies: Queens (Reinas) (2024) by Klaudia Reynicke — Farewell Lima: A Family's Last Dance in 1990s Peru

Core Summary: Family Bonds Amidst Political Turmoil and Emigration

Queens (originally titled Reinas) (2024) by Swiss-Peruvian director Klaudia Reynicke is a poignant coming-of-age drama set in Lima, Peru, during the political unrest of 1992. The film follows two young sisters, Lucia (10) and Aurora (14), and their mother Elena, as they prepare to emigrate to America for a better life. Their departure is complicated by their absent father, Carlos, who resurfaces, determined to reconnect with his daughters—his "queens"—before they leave their homeland forever. The film explores themes of family, memory, loss, and the complex decision of leaving one's country.

Summary Short: Peruvian Sisters, Absent Father, and a Country in Flux

Klaudia Reynicke's Queens is a 2024 drama about two sisters and their mother preparing to leave 1992 Peru for America, encountering their estranged father who seeks to reclaim his place in their lives before their final departure.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11220024/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/reinas-review-1235890709/

About movie: https://alvafilm.ch/films/reinas

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/reinas (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/reinas-2024 (Spain)

Detailed Summary: Childhood, Crisis, and Crossroads

Queens offers an intimate, tender, and subtly layered look at a family at a pivotal crossroads, against the backdrop of a nation in crisis.

• 1992 Lima: A City Under Strain: The film is set in the summer of 1992 in Lima, Peru, a period marked by severe economic instability and political turmoil, including a state of emergency and curfews. While these political realities form a constant, understated backdrop, Reynicke chooses to focus on how they impact the daily lives and personal decisions of ordinary citizens, rather than presenting a direct political narrative. The country is depicted as "wounded," yet people are still trying to lead normal lives, often under the looming threat of danger.

• The Family Unit: Elena, Lucia, and Aurora: The story centers on Elena and her two daughters, Lucia (10) and Aurora (14). They are preparing to leave Peru for the United States, seeking a safer and more stable future. Elena is focused on building this new life, while the girls navigate the emotional complexities of leaving their home, friends, and familiar world. Lucia, the younger sister, is more open to the idea of the new adventure, while Aurora, on the cusp of adolescence, struggles with the prospect of leaving her friends and first love behind.

• The Re-Emergence of Carlos: Their plans are disrupted by the sudden reappearance of Carlos, the girls' charming but enigmatic estranged father. He has been largely absent from their lives, living a murky existence marked by tall tales and questionable actions. Now, faced with the permanent departure of his "queens," Carlos is desperate to reconnect, leaving a lasting impression, and possibly even preventing their emigration by refusing to sign the necessary consent papers. His presence introduces a new layer of emotional conflict and an element of the unknown into their already precarious situation.

• Shifting Perspectives and Emotional Nuance: The narrative thoughtfully weaves between the perspectives of the two sisters, their mother, and their father, highlighting their individual "wants and needs." Elena grapples with the sacrifice of leaving her homeland for her children's future. Carlos, mirroring a "broken society," tries to find a meaningful connection with his daughters, often through fantastical stories and erratic behavior, embodying the wounded country's attempts to "leave a trace." The film explores the contradictions within the family, the clash between their parents' worlds, and the emotional impact on the girls.

• Themes of Migration, Memory, and Identity: Queens powerfully addresses the complexities of emigration—the pain of separation from one's homeland, the hope for a better future, and the challenge of rebuilding identity elsewhere. It is deeply personal for Reynicke, who herself left Peru at age 10. The film uses a subtle, nostalgic cinematography with a slightly removed-from-realism look, drawing inspiration from photographs, and playing with light and shadow (like candlelight during blackouts), to evoke a sense of memory and a "vision of a past."

• Subtle Sociopolitical Context: While primarily a family drama, the film subtly integrates the political and social unrest of 1992 Lima. Curfews, military presence, and the general sense of instability are always present, serving as a silent duty for the civilians to stand together even when pretending everything is fine. This contextualizes the family's urgent need to leave without overwhelming the intimate narrative.

Queens is a tender, emotional, and beautifully crafted film that explores the universal challenges of change, family bonds, and the profound act of letting go, all set against a specific, turbulent moment in Peruvian history.

Director's Vision: Klaudia Reynicke's Personal Journey into Collective Memory

• Deep Personal Connection: Klaudia Reynicke's vision for Queens is deeply personal, drawing on her own experience of leaving Peru at age 10. She aimed to reconnect with her country and youth, telling a story about family and Lima from a place of intimate understanding and rediscovered roots.

• Empathetic Storytelling: Reynicke's approach is highly empathetic, striving to tell the story through multiple perspectives – primarily the two young girls, but also their parents – to reflect the complex realities and often contradictory feelings surrounding emigration. She aims for the audience to connect deeply with each character's struggles and motivations.

• Subtlety and Nuance: As noted by critics, Reynicke is a "skillful director" whose "greatest virtue is subtlety." She avoids overt political statements, instead allowing the socio-political context to organically shape the family's drama, focusing on "quotidian details" to build a complex situation.

• Visual Nostalgia and Atmosphere: Reynicke, with cinematographer Diego Romero Suarez Llanos, sought to create a nostalgic and atmospheric visual style, using specific color palettes (like turquoise), playing with light and shadow, and drawing inspiration from photography to evoke memory and a sense of a past.

• Blending Reality and Dreams: Her vision incorporates elements of imagination and the unknown (like Carlos's tall tales and supposed ghost sightings), weaving them into the narrative to reflect how individuals cope with or escape from harsh realities.

• Focus on Identity and Belonging: Reynicke aims to explore how identity is shaped by familial and socio-political forces, and the universal human need to belong, even when leaving one's homeland.

Themes: Emigration, Family, Memory, and Identity in Crisis

• Emigration and Displacement: The central theme is the profound experience of leaving one's home country, encompassing the pain of separation, the hope for a better future, and the challenges of cultural and personal displacement.

• Family Bonds and Dynamics: The film deeply explores the complex relationships within the family unit, particularly between children and parents, and how these bonds are tested, redefined, or strengthened by crisis and impending separation.

• Memory and Nostalgia: The film uses a visual and narrative style that evokes memory, reflecting on a past time and place, and the bittersweet nature of holding onto a homeland one must leave behind.

• Childhood and Coming of Age: Through Lucia and Aurora, the film portrays the innocent perspective of children facing adult decisions, and the subtle yet profound transformations of adolescence amidst upheaval.

• Reconnection and Forgiveness: The re-emergence of the absent father, Carlos, introduces themes of estranged relationships, the desire for acceptance, and the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness before a final parting.

• Socio-Political Impact on Personal Lives: The film subtly underscores how broad political and economic crises directly impact individual lives, choices, and the fabric of society, forcing families to make impossible decisions.

Key Success Factors: Emotional Depth and Authentic Portrayal

• Deep Emotional Resonance: The film's greatest strength is its ability to evoke profound emotions related to family, loss, and the decision to emigrate, making it universally relatable.

• Authentic Historical Context: Setting the film in 1992 Peru with subtle integration of political realities provides a compelling and authentic backdrop without overshadowing the personal drama.

• Strong Ensemble Performances: The naturalistic performances of the cast, particularly the young actresses and the nuanced portrayal of Carlos, ground the film in believability.

• Klaudia Reynicke's Personal Vision: The director's intimate connection to the subject matter lends a powerful sense of authenticity and empathy to the storytelling.

• Subtle Cinematic Craft: Reynicke's skillful direction, including her use of cinematography to evoke memory and atmosphere, creates a unique and beautiful viewing experience.

• Festival Acclaim: Its impressive run at major film festivals (Sundance, Berlinale, Locarno) generated significant critical buzz and validates its artistic merit.

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

Klaudia Reynicke's Queens is a tender 2024 drama chronicling two sisters and their mother preparing to leave 1992 Peru, as their absent father attempts a last-minute reconnection, exploring themes of family, loss, and migration.

Awards & Nominations: A Festival Darling with International Acclaim

Queens has been a significant success on the international film festival circuit, garnering numerous prestigious awards and selections, highlighting its strong critical reception and emotional resonance.

Key awards and nominations include:

• Sundance Film Festival (2024): World Premiere, Nominated for the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic.

• Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival (2024): European Premiere, Winner of the Grand Prix of the International Jury for the Best Film in Generation Kplus.

• Locarno Film Festival (2024): Swiss Premiere (Piazza Grande), Winner of the Prix du Public UBS (Audience Award).

• Festival de Cine de Lima (2024): Latin American Premiere, Winner of the Jury Award for Best Screenplay.

• Swiss Film Award (2025): Winner of Best Feature Film.

• Official Swiss Entry for the 97th Academy Awards (2025) for Best International Feature Film (though it was not nominated in the final five).

• Platino Awards (2025): Preselected for Best Ibero-American Picture.

• Actors and Actresses Union Awards (Spain, 2025): Susi Sánchez nominated for Best Actress in an International Production.

• APRECI Awards (Peru, 2025): Nominated for Best Peruvian Feature Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay. Jimena Lindo won Best Supporting Actress, and Gonzalo Molina won Best Leading Actor.

• Satellite Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.

The film has also been an official selection at a multitude of other notable festivals, including Melbourne, Sarajevo, Stockholm, Chicago, Göteborg, and Glasgow. This extensive list of accolades underscores the film's artistic merit, its widespread recognition, and its ability to connect with diverse audiences and juries.

Critics' Reception: A Poignant, Unsentimental Family Drama

Critics have overwhelmingly praised Queens for its authentic, tender, and unsentimental portrayal of a family navigating personal and political upheaval. Klaudia Reynicke's direction, the naturalistic performances, and the film's nuanced approach to its challenging setting are consistently highlighted.

• Screen Daily (Allan Hunter): Calls Queens an "accessible, tenderly observed heartwarmer" that provides a "touching account of the ties that bind and the challenges of change." Hunter praises Reynicke's "light handling of these delicate emotions" and the ensemble cast's ability to make the characters feel like a real family.

• Cineuropa (Giorgia Del Don): Describes Queens as a "masterfully directed" and "intimate and dazzling film" that depicts the director's own childhood memories. Del Don notes Reynicke's "marked ability to reconstruct history-laden domestic worlds in minute detail" and how the film subtly captures the atmosphere of 1992 Peru. The warmth of the family ties, seen through the girls' eyes, is emphasized as the true protagonist.

• Mediaversity Reviews: Gives the film an A- (4.58/5), highlighting its "provocative and natural" configuration and its focus on the "relationships between women" that "provide the most satisfying emotional conclusions." It commends Reynicke and co-writer Diego Vega for avoiding easy answers and for shedding light on global events through "familiar proxies" of adolescents experiencing growing pains.

• The Hollywood Reporter (Lovia Gyarkye): Praises Reynicke's "compact feature" for dealing in "intimate moments with an understated charm" and offering a "quietly sad portrait of an unexpected effort to make a family feel whole."

• Variety (Carlos Aguilar): Notes Reynicke's ability to combine "grounded wonder and realism for a cleverly written family story embedded into a larger historical context." He emphasizes the film's heart, with each person being "multifaceted, with strengths, shortcomings, nightmares, and dreams."

• In Review Online: Highlights how the film resists "teasing out more pat narrative threads" and instead concerns itself with the "small, personal moments that define relationships." It praises the film's avoidance of melodrama and its poignant authenticity.

• Alliance of Women Film Journalists (Loren King): Calls it an "understated, moving family drama" with echoes of Aftersun in its bittersweet father/daughter story. She commends Reynicke for deftly showing Elena's authoritative parental role and Susi Sánchez's excellent performance as the grandmother.

Overall, critics are deeply impressed by Queens. Its strengths lie in its naturalistic performances, particularly from the young actresses and Gonzalo Molina as the flawed father, and Reynicke's sensitive direction. The film manages to depict the political unrest of 1992 Peru as a pervasive, yet muted, backdrop, allowing the intimate family drama to take center stage without becoming melodramatic. It's widely seen as an authentic, poignant, and skillfully crafted film about the complexities of family bonds and the challenges of emigration.

Reviews: A Heartwarming and Resonant Journey for Audiences

Audience reactions to Queens have been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from those who appreciate character-driven dramas and stories about family and migration. The film's emotional honesty and relatable themes have resonated deeply.

• Emotional Connection to the Family Dynamics: Viewers are deeply drawn into the complex and often messy relationships within the family, particularly the dynamic between the daughters, their responsible mother, and their charming but unreliable father. Many find the portrayal of Carlos's attempts to reconnect with his "queens" to be both frustrating and heartwarming.

• Authenticity of the Setting and Period: For those familiar with Peru or the early 1990s, the film's depiction of Lima, with its rolling blackouts, curfews, and bustling streets, feels incredibly authentic and nostalgic. The blend of personal story with historical context, without being overtly political, is appreciated by audiences who feel immersed in the world the film creates.

• Relatability of Migration and Change: The core theme of leaving one's homeland for an uncertain future resonates strongly with audiences globally, especially those with personal or familial experiences of migration. The film captures the bittersweet emotions associated with saying goodbye to a familiar life and embracing the unknown.

• Strong Performances from the Cast: The naturalistic acting, especially from the young actresses Abril Gjurinovic (Lucia) and Luana Vega (Aurora), and the nuanced performance by Gonzalo Molina as Carlos, are frequently praised. Audiences find their portrayals convincing and emotionally engaging.

• Understated Poignancy: Many viewers appreciate the film's subtle approach to its heavy themes. It avoids melodrama, instead allowing the quiet moments and unsaid feelings to convey the depth of emotion. This creates a powerful and lingering impact. The film's ability to be both "bittersweet and lovely" is a common sentiment.

• Universal Themes: Despite its specific setting, the film's exploration of family, belonging, childhood innocence, and the trials of growing up is seen as universally relatable, allowing a broad audience to connect with its characters and their journey.

Overall, Queens is highly regarded by audiences as a tender, authentic, and emotionally resonant film. Its ability to capture the intimate struggles of a family against a turbulent historical backdrop, combined with strong performances and a nuanced approach to its themes, makes it a deeply moving and memorable cinematic experience.

Box Office: Independent Film Success, Festival and Niche Theatrical Run

As a Swiss-Peruvian-Spanish co-production and an independent drama, Queens is not expected to be a blockbuster. Its "box office" success is measured differently:

• Film Festival Presence: Its extensive and awarded festival run (Sundance, Berlinale, Locarno, Lima) is a primary indicator of its success and reach within the independent film circuit.

• Limited Theatrical Release: It likely had targeted, limited theatrical releases in its co-producing countries (Switzerland, Peru, Spain) and in key arthouse cinemas globally, aiming for critical acclaim and audience engagement rather than mass commercial appeal.

• Swiss Oscar Entry: Its selection as the official Swiss entry for the Academy Awards® (2025) indicates significant national recognition and potential for wider international exposure, which can boost niche box office and streaming numbers.

Detailed global box office figures for such independent films are rarely publicly available in a comprehensive manner. Its impact is more cultural and artistic.

Production Summary: An International Co-Production Rooted in Personal History

Queens (originally Reinas) (2024) is a feature-length fiction film written and directed by Klaudia Reynicke, who co-wrote the screenplay with Diego Vega. It is an international co-production between Switzerland (Alva Film), Peru (Maretazo Cine), and Spain (Inicia Film). The film's cast includes Abril Gjurinovic (Lucia), Luana Vega (Aurora), Jimena Lindo (Elena), Gonzalo Molina (Carlos), and Susi Sánchez. The runtime is 104 minutes. Filming likely took place in Lima, Peru, and possibly other locations in the co-producing countries. The production is characterized by its commitment to authenticity, emotional depth, and a visually evocative style rooted in personal memory.

Production Companies: A Collaborative European-Latin American Effort

Queens is a testament to international co-production, bringing together talent and resources from multiple countries:

• Alva Film (Switzerland): Primary production company, headed by producers Britta Rindelaub & Thomas Reichlin.

• Inicia Film (Spain): Co-producer, with Valérie Delpierre as producer.

• Maretazo Cine (Peru): Co-producer, with Daniel Vega and Diego Vega as producers.

• RTS – Radio Télévision suisse (Switzerland): A public broadcaster involved in co-production.

This collaborative model allowed for a rich blend of cultural perspectives and financial backing, crucial for an ambitious independent film of this nature.

Sales Companies: Expert in International Independent Film

The international sales for Queens are handled by The Yellow Affair, a sales agent specializing in high-quality independent feature films from around the world. Their expertise is crucial in securing distribution deals across various territories and ensuring the film's presence at international festivals and markets.

Distribution Companies: Global Festival and Niche Theatrical Reach

Distribution for Queens varies by territory, handled by different companies:

• Canadian Distributor: Films We Like.

• Other Territories: Distribution is being managed by The Yellow Affair through deals struck at film markets. Given its festival success, it is expected to be picked up by independent distributors in key markets, particularly in Europe, North America, and Latin America.

Its primary initial distribution relies on festival screenings and limited theatrical runs in selected countries, followed by potential VOD or streaming releases in various regions.

Release Date on Streaming: VOD/Platform Release Expected

While Queens had its world premiere in January 2024 and significant festival presence throughout the year, its streaming release on major platforms (like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video) is typically delayed following its festival and limited theatrical runs. A VOD or streaming platform release would likely occur in late 2024 or early to mid-2025, depending on individual territory deals. Specific platform and dates are yet to be universally announced.

Theatrical Release: Festival Premieres and Limited Runs

Queens had a significant theatrical presence through its numerous festival premieres in 2024:

• World Premiere: Sundance Film Festival (January 2024)

• European Premiere: Berlinale (February 2024)

• Swiss Premiere: Locarno Film Festival (August 2024)

• Latin American Premiere: Festival de Cine de Lima (August 2024)

It has also had limited theatrical runs in its co-production countries (Switzerland, Peru, Spain) and other territories where distribution deals have been secured.

Why to Recommend this Movie: For Those Seeking Deeply Human and Culturally Rich Stories

• Profound Emotional Journey: Recommend this film to viewers who appreciate deeply human and emotionally resonant dramas that explore complex family dynamics and the impact of life-altering decisions.

• Authentic Cultural Immersion: It's an excellent choice for audiences interested in culturally rich narratives, offering an intimate and authentic glimpse into Peruvian life during a specific historical period.

• Coming-of-Age Nuance: Ideal for those who enjoy nuanced coming-of-age stories that portray the world through the eyes of children and adolescents grappling with adult realities.

• Award-Winning Independent Cinema: For cinephiles who follow international film festivals and appreciate critically acclaimed independent cinema, Queens is a must-watch.

Why to Watch Movie: Experience a Tender Farewell to Home

• Witness a Timeless Story: Watch to experience a universal story of family, migration, and memory, rendered with profound tenderness and authenticity.

• Be Transported to 1992 Lima: Immerse yourself in the vibrant, yet subtly troubled, atmosphere of Lima in 1992, beautifully recreated through nostalgic cinematography and meticulous production design.

• Connect with Relatable Characters: Follow the journey of a family at a crossroads, whose struggles with love, loss, and the future resonate deeply, regardless of your background.

• Appreciate Subtle Storytelling: Discover Klaudia Reynicke's masterful ability to tell a complex, layered story with subtlety and grace, allowing emotions and themes to emerge organically.

Movie Trend: Global Art-House Dramas on Migration and Personal History

Queens aligns with the growing trend of global art-house dramas that explore themes of migration, displacement, and personal history through an intimate lens. These films often draw on the directors' own experiences or delve into specific cultural and historical contexts to create universal emotional resonance. The increasing number of international co-productions also reflects a trend towards collaborative storytelling across borders.

Big Social Trend: The Human Face of Migration and Reconnecting with Roots

The film taps into the significant global social trend of migration and its multifaceted human impact. It contributes to the ongoing conversation about the emotional cost of leaving one's homeland, the challenges of integrating into new societies, and the universal longing to reconnect with one's cultural roots and heritage, even across generations. It humanizes a complex issue often discussed in abstract terms.

Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Deeply Moving and Authentically Crafted Testament to Family and Place

Queens is a deeply moving and authentically crafted testament to family bonds, the pain of displacement, and the enduring connection to one's homeland. Klaudia Reynicke's personal vision, combined with her subtle direction and a talented ensemble, creates a film that is both intimate and universally resonant. It leaves a lasting impact by evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound change.

Recommendations for Film Makers: Embrace Personal Narratives, Master Subtlety: Lessons from "Queens"

• Draw from Personal Experience: Queens exemplifies how personal history and cultural background can enrich storytelling, providing authenticity and emotional depth that resonates universally.

• Prioritize Subtlety in Theme: Filmmakers should learn from Reynicke's ability to weave complex socio-political themes into an intimate family drama without heavy-handedness, trusting the audience to connect the dots.

• Cultivate Naturalistic Performances: Focus on directing actors, especially young talent, to deliver nuanced and believable performances that convey deep emotion through subtle expressions and interactions.

• Craft Visually Evocative Atmospheres: Pay meticulous attention to cinematography, production design, and costume design to create a strong sense of place and time that enhances the narrative's emotional and thematic layers.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Invest in Diverse Voices, Champion Culturally Rich Dramas: Insights from This Production

• Support International Co-Productions: The success of Queens highlights the value of investing in collaborative projects across borders, which can bring unique cultural perspectives and broader financial backing to independent films.

• Seek Out Authentic Narratives: Prioritize acquiring and distributing films from diverse filmmakers who offer authentic, personal insights into underrepresented experiences and communities, as these often yield critically acclaimed and culturally significant works.

• Recognize Art-House Appeal: Understand that films focusing on nuanced character development and social commentary (rather than pure commercial appeal) have a dedicated audience and can achieve significant festival success and critical recognition.

• Promote Thematic Relevance: Actively promote films that, like Queens, contribute to important global conversations (e.g., migration, cultural identity) by humanizing complex issues through compelling storytelling.

Final Verdict: Concluding Thoughts on "Queens": A Profound, Beautifully Crafted Ode to Home and Family

Queens is a profound, beautifully crafted, and deeply moving ode to home, family, and the indelible marks left by one's origins. Klaudia Reynicke's film is a testament to the power of subtle storytelling, creating an unforgettable and tender cinematic experience that resonates with universal themes of loss, hope, and the search for belonging. It's an essential watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, character-driven dramas.