New Movies: So they say (2023) by Natalia Luque

So They Say (2023) / Así Dicen: Whispers of Morality in a Small Town

Description: "So They Say" (Original title: "Así Dicen") is an 18-minute Chilean-American drama short film from 2023, directed and co-written by Natalia Luque. Set in a small, conservative Chilean town where abortion is illegal, the film explores the ripple effects of a shocking discovery: an aborted fetus found floating in a lake. As rumors spread like wildfire, a single mother and saleswoman finds her own values and morals challenged when she suspects a young female client of hers might be involved. The film delves into themes of morality, community judgment, and the complex realities faced by women in restrictive environments.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30270183/

Link Review: https://www.cufilmfest.arts.columbia.edu/2023-films/so-they-say

About movie: https://natalia-luque.com/Asi-Dicen

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/so-they-say (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/so-they-say (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/so-they-say (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/so-they-say (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/so-they-say (France), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/so-they-say (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/asi-dicen (Spain)

Detailed Summary: In a quiet, deeply religious Chilean town where the law strictly prohibits abortion, the discovery of an aborted fetus in a local lake sends shockwaves through the community. This grim event ignites a firestorm of gossip and judgment, forcing residents to confront their beliefs. The narrative centers on a single mother who works as a saleswoman, maintaining a seemingly ordinary life. Her world is turned upside down when, amidst the escalating rumors and local investigations, she begins to suspect that one of her young female clients is connected to the tragic discovery. As the film unfolds, the protagonist finds herself in a moral dilemma, forced to grapple with her personal values, the community's rigid beliefs, and the desperate circumstances that might have led to such an act. "So They Say" is a tense, character-driven piece that explores the profound impact of secrets and societal judgment in a close-knit, conservative setting.

Plot Summary:

• Shocking Discovery: An aborted fetus is found in a lake in a small, conservative Chilean town where abortion is illegal.

• Rumors and Judgment: The discovery sparks widespread gossip and moral outrage within the community.

• Moral Dilemma: A single mother and saleswoman suspects one of her young clients is involved, challenging her own values.

• Societal Impact: The film explores the harsh realities and judgments faced by women in a restrictive environment.

Director's Vision: Natalia Luque's vision for "So They Say" is to craft a nuanced and intense drama that reflects the social and moral complexities of abortion in conservative societies, particularly in her native Chile. As her MFA thesis film from Columbia University, she aims to explore how community judgment and deeply ingrained beliefs can isolate individuals and force difficult moral choices. Luque utilizes a grounded, realistic approach to draw viewers into the protagonist's dilemma, using the central mystery to unpack broader societal pressures and the silent struggles faced by women. She aims for a powerful narrative that encourages empathy and critical reflection on sensitive topics.

Themes:

• Abortion & Reproductive Rights: Directly addresses the difficult and sensitive topic of abortion, particularly in contexts where it is illegal and highly stigmatized.

• Community Judgment & Gossip: Explores the pervasive power of rumor and moral judgment within small, close-knit communities, and its impact on individuals.

• Moral Dilemmas: Centers on the protagonist's struggle to reconcile personal empathy with societal expectations and legal restrictions.

• Secrecy & Consequences: Delves into the desperate measures individuals might take when faced with impossible choices, and the far-reaching consequences of those secrets.

• Female Experience in Restrictive Societies: Highlights the specific challenges, pressures, and vulnerabilities faced by women in highly conservative and patriarchal environments.

Key Success Factors:

• Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film tackles the highly sensitive and globally relevant issue of abortion rights and the social pressures surrounding it, sparking immediate engagement.

• Compelling Narrative Hook: The central mystery of the found fetus immediately draws the audience in and sets a tense, investigative tone.

• Strong Central Performance: The film relies heavily on the lead actress's ability to convey complex moral turmoil and subtle suspicion.

• Effective Use of Setting: The conservative small-town setting provides a potent backdrop for the themes of judgment and social control.

• Festival Recognition: Its selection and screenings at prestigious short film festivals indicate its high quality and impactful storytelling.

Summary Short: "So They Say" (2023), or "Así Dicen," is an 18-minute Chilean-American drama short directed by Natalia Luque. Set in a conservative Chilean town where abortion is illegal, it follows a single mother whose morals are tested when a fetus is found in a lake, and she suspects a young client. It premiered at Palm Springs ShortFest 2023 and screened at Telluride, Hamptons, and Tallinn Black Nights.

Awards and Nominations (Selected):

• Official Selection: Palm Springs International ShortFest 2023 (World Premiere)

• Official Selection: Telluride Film Festival 2023

• Official Selection: Hamptons Film Festival 2023

• Official Selection: PÖFF Shorts (Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival) 2023

• Shortlisted: 2023 Yugo BAFTA Student Awards (as a Columbia University thesis film)

• Screened at: Columbia Film Festival 2023, San Diego Latino Film Festival 2024, Fantasia International Film Festival 2024, Cinélatino Festival (Toulouse) 2024, and others.

Critics Reception: As a short film, "So They Say" has received critical attention primarily from film festival coverage and specialized short film reviewers, often praising its directness and emotional impact.

• Columbia University Film Festival: Highlighted it as a powerful narrative that tackles difficult themes, noting its strong reception at early screenings. They emphasized its ability to "put a single mother's morals to the test" in a sensitive context.

• MUBI: Described the film as a concise yet impactful drama that effectively uses its premise to explore how "rumors spread like wildfire" and the personal ethical dilemmas that arise.

• Film festival programmers: Often selected the film for its timely subject matter, strong character study, and compelling narrative, positioning it within programs focused on social issues or new talent.

• Overall Summary: While specific in-depth reviews by major critics are less common for shorts, its consistent selection for high-tier festivals like Telluride and Palm Springs indicates a strong positive reception for its artistic merit and thematic relevance.

Reviews: Reviews emphasize the film's ability to provoke thought and create tension within its brief runtime:

• Various Festival Reviews (General Tone): Reviewers often noted the film's "unflinching look" at a challenging topic, praising its ability to create a palpable sense of tension and moral ambiguity. They highlighted the "strong performance" from the lead actress in conveying her internal conflict.

• Columbia School of the Arts: Emphasized the film's "masterful storytelling" in portraying a sensitive issue with depth and nuance, a testament to Luque's talent as a burgeoning filmmaker.

• Audience Reactions (from festival screenings): Often mentioned the film's power to spark discussion on abortion, women's rights, and societal judgment, indicating its effectiveness in engaging viewers on a visceral and intellectual level.

• Overall Summary: "So They Say" is recognized for its impactful narrative within a short format, its ability to provoke thought on a sensitive topic, and its strong character development despite the limited runtime.

Production: "So They Say (Así Dicen)" is an 18-minute Chilean-American drama short film from 2023. It is presented in color and primarily in Spanish (with some Mapudungun). It was written and directed by Natalia Luque Barrios as her MFA thesis project at Columbia University. The film was produced by Donovan Tolledo and Cecilia Otero. Principal photography was completed in November 2021 in Villarrica, Chile, lending an authentic regional feel. It received production grants in support of its making.

Main Cast:

• Paulina Zúñiga as the single mother/saleswoman (protagonist)

• Valentina Uribe as the young female client

• Amalia Kassai

Production Companies:

• Hiedra Films (Chile/US) - associated with some of Natalia Luque's work.

• Produced in collaboration with Columbia University's School of the Arts.

Sales Companies:

• Typically handled by the director and producers for short films, often through festival circuit representation. No major sales company listed as of now.

Distribution Companies:

• Primarily distributed via film festival circuit. Future distribution may include online platforms specializing in short films.

Release Date on Streaming: As a recent short film with an active festival run, its wider streaming availability is not yet widely announced. It may become available on platforms like MUBI or short film curated sites in the future.

Theatrical Release:

• World Premiere: Palm Springs International ShortFest 2023 (June 2023)

• Other Festival Screenings: Telluride Film Festival 2023, Hamptons Film Festival 2023, PÖFF Shorts 2023, San Diego Latino Film Festival 2024, etc.

Why You Should Watch This Film:

• For Its Powerful and Timely Subject Matter: "So They Say" bravely tackles the sensitive and globally relevant issue of abortion in a conservative society, offering a nuanced and empathetic look at the moral and social dilemmas women face.

• Experience an Emerging Talent's Vision: This short film is Natalia Luque's MFA thesis project from Columbia University, showcasing her distinctive directorial voice and ability to craft compelling narratives. It signals a promising future for her as a filmmaker.

• Engage with a Taut Psychological Drama: The film masterfully builds suspense and tension from its shocking premise, drawing you into the protagonist's moral quandary and the suffocating atmosphere of community judgment.

• Witness Strong Performances in a Short Format: The lead actors deliver impactful and subtle performances that convey deep emotional complexity within the film's concise runtime, making their struggles palpable.

• Highly Acclaimed on the Festival Circuit: Its consistent selection and positive reception at prestigious festivals like Telluride, Palm Springs, and BAFTA-qualifying events underscore its quality and importance, marking it as a significant short film from 2023.

Why to Watch Film:

• If you appreciate thought-provoking dramas: It delves into complex social issues with sensitivity and depth.

• To support emerging filmmakers: Natalia Luque's work showcases a promising new voice in cinema.

• For strong, concise storytelling: The film effectively builds tension and character development within its short runtime.

• To experience relevant international cinema: It offers a powerful perspective on women's struggles in a specific cultural context.

• If you follow top short film festivals: "So They Say" was a standout selection in multiple high-profile festivals.

What Movie Trend Film Is Following: Socially Conscious Short Dramas: The film aligns with a trend of short films that use their concise format to tackle pressing social issues (like reproductive rights, community judgment) with emotional impact and narrative focus. It also fits into the broader trend of Latin American cinema exploring contemporary social realities, particularly from a female perspective.

What Big Social Trend Is Following: The film directly engages with the ongoing global conversation around reproductive rights and women's bodily autonomy, particularly in regions with restrictive laws. It also highlights the powerful and often detrimental impact of social conservatism and community judgment on individual lives, especially for women, resonating with broader discussions on privacy, morality, and stigma.

Final Verdict: "So They Say (2023)" is a highly impactful and skillfully crafted short film by Natalia Luque. Its ability to tackle a sensitive and controversial topic with nuance, tension, and emotional depth within an 18-minute runtime is truly remarkable. Through a compelling moral dilemma and strong performances, the film offers a powerful commentary on community judgment and the difficult realities faced by women in restrictive societies. Its strong festival run is a testament to its artistic merit and its timely relevance, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in powerful short-form storytelling and socially conscious cinema.

Recommendations for Film Makers (Short Films):

• Focus on a Potent Premise: Choose a central conflict or idea that can be explored deeply and impactfully within a limited runtime, ensuring every scene serves the core theme.

• Maximize Character Arc: Even in a short film, aim for a clear, compelling character journey, allowing the audience to witness a transformation or a significant moral struggle.

• Leverage Local Specificity for Universal Appeal: Use a particular cultural or social context to ground your story, but ensure its themes (e.g., judgment, moral choice) resonate universally.

Recommendations for Movie Industry (Short Films & Festivals):

• Continue to Champion Socially Relevant Shorts: Recognize the power of short films to address urgent social issues and spark important conversations, providing a vital platform for new voices.

• Support Emerging Talent Through Thesis Films: Acknowledge and invest in student thesis films from reputable programs, as they often represent fresh perspectives and future talents.

• Facilitate Post-Festival Distribution: Explore more robust pathways for acclaimed short films to reach wider audiences beyond the festival circuit, through curated streaming platforms or educational distribution.