We first find Pilar (Laia Marull) sheltering in her sister’s house to evade her violent husband Antonio (Luis Tosar), but when he agrees to attend group therapy, the promise of change encourages her back. Despite everything, she still loves him, and the great tenderness between them at times means that all hope is not lost. Even so, it’s worrying that her increasing independence, boosted by training as a guide to the local art treasures of Toledo, seems only to exacerbate his lurking self-doubt. Bollaín’s second feature builds to a tense conclusion and offers a brilliant, committed and incredibly performed look at domestic abuse.
“An exceptionally well told story, finally breaking it’s subject matter free of ‘TV movie’ sensibilities.” – Empire
“Every sinew of Marull’s extraordinary performance tells you of the fear Pilar carries around each day. The way she looks, holds herself, talks even, is utterly believable and wins our deepest sympathy.” Time Out (London)