A film deeply rooted in the literal tradition of magical realism, this story uses the protagonist’s supernatural abilities to explore how she is objectified—treated not as a person, but as an icon, valued solely for her healing powers. Her family and community appear to accept and love her, but in reality, they tolerate her eccentric, autistic-coded mannerisms only because of what she can offer them.
At the same time, she is relentlessly stifled and controlled by her mother, who denies her bodily autonomy at every turn. She isn’t allowed to explore her sexuality, nor is she permitted to address her own underlying health issues, lest they alter "how God made her." Any deviation from her mother’s rigid guidance is met with punishment. Her mother treats her not as an individual, but as a mere vessel through which the power of the Holy Virgin flows, using her body and abilities for her own benefit.
In the end, the protagonist must destroy the institutions that imprison her—her home, the religious icons... By claiming her independence, she finally embraces the full extent of her powers.
A film deeply rooted in the literal tradition of magical realism, this story uses the protagonist’s supernatural abilities to explore how she is objectified—treated not as a person, but as an icon, valued solely for her healing powers. Her family and community appear to accept and love her, but in reality, they tolerate her eccentric, autistic-coded mannerisms only because of what she can offer them.
At the same time, she is relentlessly stifled and controlled by her mother, who denies her bodily autonomy at every turn. She isn’t allowed to explore her sexuality, nor is she permitted to address her own underlying health issues, lest they alter "how God made her." Any deviation from her mother’s rigid guidance is met with punishment. Her mother treats her not as an individual, but as a mere vessel through which the power of the Holy Virgin flows, using her body and abilities for her own benefit.
In the end, the protagonist must destroy the institutions that imprison her—her home, the religious icons... By claiming her independence, she finally embraces the full extent of her powers.
