Categories
- Genre:
- Biographical
- Romantic Drama
- Historical
- Themes:
- LGBTQ+ Rights
- Love and Sacrifice
- Identity and Deception
- Social Injustice
- Setting:
- Early 20th century Spain and Portugal
Overview
“Elisa & Marcela” is a 2019 Spanish biographical romantic drama directed by Isabel Coixet. The film tells the remarkable true story of Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, two women who managed to deceive the authorities in early 20th century Spain to become the first same-sex couple to marry in the country since Roman times. Their story is one of love, courage, and resilience against societal norms.
Plot Summary
Set in 1901, the film follows Elisa Sánchez Loriga (played by Natalia de Molina) and Marcela Gracia Ibeas (played by Greta Fernández), who meet and fall in love while attending school in A Coruña, Galicia. Facing severe societal and familial pressures, Elisa adopts a male identity, taking on the name Mario Sánchez, to marry Marcela in a church ceremony. Their daring ruse leads to their persecution, forcing them to flee from angry mobs and the law, ultimately seeking refuge in Portugal.
Their journey is fraught with danger and heartbreak, especially when Marcela becomes pregnant to further legitimize their marriage. The couple is eventually arrested in Portugal, where they face the threat of extradition back to Spain. Despite the risks and the personal sacrifices they make, including Marcela giving up their child for her protection, Elisa and Marcela’s love remains unwavering.
Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an approval rating of 40%, with criticism aimed at its perceived lack of emotional depth and dynamism. Some reviewers found the film’s execution to be lacking, describing it as visually attractive but emotionally hollow. Nonetheless, the performances of Natalia de Molina and Greta Fernández were generally well-received, praised for their commitment to portraying the historic couple.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Isabel Coixet
- Main Cast:
- Natalia de Molina as Elisa
- Greta Fernández as Marcela
- Sara Casasnovas as Ana
- Tamar Novas as Andrés
Production and Release
Produced by multiple Spanish production companies including Movies Production 2017 AIE, Zenit Televisión, Lanube Películas, and Rodar y Rodar, “Elisa & Marcela” was selected to compete for the Golden Bear at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival. It premiered on February 13, 2019, and was released on Netflix on June 7, 2019.
Viewing Options
The film is available for streaming on Netflix. For more information and viewing options, you can visit Netflix and Cineuropa.
Historical Context and Legacy
Elisa and Marcela’s story is a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. Their marriage, although not recognized by law, marked a significant moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Spain. It wasn’t until 2005 that same-sex marriage was legalized in the country, a testament to the long journey towards equality.
For those interested in a compelling narrative of love and defiance, “Elisa & Marcela” provides a poignant look into a lesser-known but profoundly impactful piece of history. The film is available for streaming on Netflix.
