A selection in the global series at this years CIFF, Mariana Chenillo's film, NORA'S WILL (CINCO DIAS SIN NORA), will have you laughing at the unacceptable behaviors in this dark yet comical tale of a Jewish family in Mexico. Jose, Nora's husband is not amused when he is left with the tasks of making Nora's final arrangements after her death. Nora who we only meet briefly in the film prior to her death, other than through Jose's memories, has wittingly left a number of tasks, through letters, and post it sticky notes, for Jose and others to take care of after she has passed.
NORA'S WILL is truly an entertaining film, with a simple yet complex concept of relationships. Specifically the most complex relationship illustrated in this film is between a couple after a divorce. The rational between why people behave the way they do in these relationships often makes little sense to the outside observer. With Jose and Nora, who were married for several years prior to their divorce, we are privy to see the tiny things that made and make Jose irritated with their relationship. Although Jose is not pleased with the chain of events and how they have been planned, he can not rid himself of the memories of his ex-wife and the time that they did spend together.
The premise of this film although darkly comical explores the complexity of relationships and how they differ amongst family members that often we see heightened in times of sorrow. We see the unique motives of people, such as the hired help, Nora's son, daughter in-law, relatives, and ex-husband. Jose, Nora's ex husband in the film entertains us with his defiance against the carefully staged events that Nora had arranged prior to her death.
Films about death and dying usually take on a serious tone, however this film is refreshing with simple concepts, yet dealing with complex subject matters such as religious beliefs, and suicide . This is definitely one of my faves this year. Don't miss this dark comical depiction of the loss of ones loved one at Eau Claire on Sunday September 26 at 7:15pm.
