Set in Madrid, the quirky Abracadabra is essentially a comedy, but it also includes drama, fantasy, and considerable suspense.
Carlos is a pig of a man. He's rude, abusive, jealous, obsessed with football and totally indifferent towards his wife Carmen and teenage daughter Toñi. When the three attend a family wedding, Carmen's cousin Pepe performs a hypnotist act and Carlos arrogantly volunteers to be the subject. This results in Carlos being possessed by the spirit of Tito, a waiter who used to work at the function centre. Carlos' behaviour changes drastically and he becomes a kind husband and father who vacuums, cooks and helps with homework. In spite of this change for the better Carmen wants to find out what has happened to her husband, so she and Pepe seek help from Pepe's hypnotist mentor. When they visit Tito's old address they discover that Tito was a murderer who killed eight people. What should Carmen do? Does she try to get her old abusive husband back? Or should she stick with the new version who is loving, helpful and considerate; but is an unpredictable killer?
A highlight of the film is Mario Alonso as the real estate agent telling the story of the murder that happened in an apartment. He shines a torch on his face and, with riveting storytelling, he acts out the event. It's like one of Frazer's stories from Dad's Army, but taken a step further. The scene is both suspenseful and hilarious at the same time.
Maribel Verdú (Snow White, Pan's Labyrinth), as Carmen, is outstanding. She gives a fine comic performance, one of subtlety rather than of comedic exaggeration. The frequent use of close-ups allows us to see exactly what she is thinking and feeling. Antonio de la Torre plays a straight-faced Carlos and acts as a foil to the passionate Carmen. José Mota as Pepe, the hypnotist, plays a more heightened style in his comic role. Priscilla Delgado as Toñi plays the gum-chewing, smart-phone-fixated, but likeable teenager perfectly.
This is a fine piece of cinema from writer/director, Pablo Berger. Abracadabra is only his third feature film, the first since he wrote and directed the 2012 Snow White.
Technically, Abracadabra is an excellent piece of film-making. The editing is stand-out and is used to create movement, comedy and tension. Use of incidental music is paired beautifully with the editing to create suspense. The production design is superb, with vibrant use of colour and colour palettes in both the costumes and set. The strong use of colour palettes is noticeable even in the movie stills. Much attention has been given to detail. Lighting and cinematography are also stunning.
For music lovers, the soundtrack features Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells and includes well known 1970's songs such as Steve Miller Band's Abracadabra and 10CC's I'm Not in Love. The repetition of songs and music are used to help build the story and to give the audience clues.
Warning: there is a short scene with a stroboscope light that may be difficult for some people to watch. I was sitting extremely close to the screen and had to close my eyes, keeping them open just enough to read the subtitles. This did not result in me missing anything vital to the plot. Anyone who may have issues with strobing lights would be advised to sit well back from the screen, or else peek through their fingers.
Abracadabra is a bit of fun; but it's an extremely well made, well-acted bit of fun. It totally engages and entertains from beginning to end.
Abracadabra is screening at Palace Nova cinemas as part of the 21st Spanish Film Festival. You can catch it at Eastend Cinemas at 6.30pm April 27, 6.30pm May 1, 8.45pm May 5, 2pm May 12, or at the new Prospect cinemas at 6.15pm April 28, 8.20pm May 4, 6.15pm May 9, 4pm May 13.
Reviewed by Libby Drake, Tuesday 10th April 2018.