Nora (Silvia Mariscal) has attempted suicide a dozen times before unsuccessfully, but this time she's going to do it right. Not only will she die, but she has planned out the next five days following her death. Passover, the holiday celebrating the exodus of Jews from slavery to the Promised Land, is about to start. Nora has invited family and friends to attend the Seder in her huge, elegant apartment. Food is semi-prepared in the fridge, with detailed notes to her maid/cook/friend, Fabiana (Angelina Pelaez), for final touches. Frozen meat has been delivered to her ex-husband, Jose (Fernando Lujan) who lives across the street. Even the coffee maker has been set by timer to make coffee at a time appropriate for the discovery of her body. We learn this is not consideration for others or an arranged farewell celebration, but manipulation of those who love her for her own agenda .
This is a very subtle study of a strained, yet undying, love between Nora and Jose who were married for 30 years and divorced 20 years ago. I think the math is off, even though these statistics are repeated several times, because it is said she died at age 62, and as her ex says, 'she looks older.' Throughout, he makes snide remarks about her and everyone else within earshot. He is a bitter man who has lost God, but has a good grip on his sense of humor -- completely at other people's expense. As cold and insulting as Jose is, there are several hints that although the marriage couldn't weather their problems, they loved and cared about each other.
There is much to learn about love, Jewish tradition and ritual, human idiosyncrasies and real estate in Mexico City. Though a film about suicide and loss, it's funny and witty. Perhaps more useful than a session with a marriage counselor.
Nora's Will
Director/Writer: Mariana Chenillo
Cast: Fernando Lujan, Cecilia Suarez, Ari Brickman, Veronica Langer, Enrique Arreola, Angelina Pelaez, Silvia Mariscal, Marina de Tavina, Juan Pablo Medina, Juan Carlos Colombo, Martin LaSalle, Max Kerlow
Time: 92 min.
Opening March 4 at the Bridge Theater in San Francusciso
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