10 Secrets Unveiled in "Romería": The New Autobiographical Feature by Carla Simón

Three years after her astounding accolade in Berlin for "Alcarràs", acclaimed director Carla Simón unveils a more personal narrative with her new feature, "Romería". It's a powerful follow-up to her debut masterpiece, "Summer 1993", and offers a closer look at Simón's own experiences. This time, it brings to life a young aspiring filmmaker journeying to meet her late father's family.

In an expedition primarily aimed at fulfilling film school scholarship procedures, the main character, Marina, unearths the hidden histories of her deceased parents. These narratives are steeped in secrecy, shame, and a forgotten timeline, all seen through the artistic prowess of renowned French cinematographer Hélène Louvart. Despite moments of seeming disorientation in Simón’s storytelling, Louvart's enchanting cinematography holds its allure.

Marina, portrayed by the talented newcomer Llúcia Garcia, nervously ventures towards the bureaucratic process of claiming her lineage. Her journey takes her from Barcelona to the port city of Vigo in Galicia, filled with her parent's memories. The title "Romería", Spanish for "pilgrimage", aptly highlights the deep purpose of her journey.

During her quest, Marina faces revelations about her birth parents’ lives and surprising secrets from her grandparents. She learns of her parents' drug use and struggles to reconcile with her family’s attempt to hide her father’s sickness. Marina's confrontation with her past becomes a maze-like exploration, sometimes confusing, but always intriguing.

In a striking alteration from Simón’s typical realistic style, she presents an imaginative sequence filled with vivid images that Marina forms of her parents. This exploration into the past and Marina’s attempts to connect with her parents are both touching and emotional.

"Romería", while elegantly portrayed, slightly deviates from the lucidity of Simón's previous work, showcasing an unusual mix in the Cannes main competition. Nevertheless, its private exploration into family history and secrets make it a fascinating narrative of Caroline Simon’s personal experience.