There’s something special about a film that balances its elements just right to accomplish magic realism.
Unfortunately,Laura Casabe’sThe Virgin of the Quarry Lakemisses that balance.
What Is ‘The Virgin of the Quarry Lake’ About?
Image via Sundance
The Virgin of the Quarry Lakefollows a teenage girl named Natalia (Dolores Oliverio) in Buenos Aires.
At the same time,Luisa Merelas as Rita is a superb addition.
Some of the film’s strongest moments are when Rita and Nati are in a scene together.
Image via Sundance
Additionally, Fernanda Echevarria’s Silvia is perfectly annoying.
There are essentially two stories.
While the stories are interesting, both needed fat trimmed from them.
Image via Sundance
Specifically,the story at home could have done without the mysterious neighborhood curse.
Instead, the film should have focused on the dynamic between Rita, Kechu, and Nati specifically.
“Any sensible person knows grief is a long-term project.
Image via Sundance
I refuse to rush.”
It often feels like Laura Casabe is trying to do too much.
But that energy isn’t felt inQuarry Lakeas a whole.
The Virgin of the Quarry Lakepremiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Image by Jovelle Tamayo via Sundance Institute
The Virgin of the Quarry Lake follows a group of teenage girls in the early 2000s who become infatuated with a boy named Diego. Their romantic entanglement faces dramatic changes when he begins a relationship with an older woman, prompting one girl to explore her grandmother’s mystical practices.
