Chronicles of a Wandering Saint bestows a delightful blessing on viewers, blending humor, sadness, and the yearning to be close to loved ones.
Chronicles of a Wandering Saint presents a subdued yet wondrous narrative, offering an intriguing perspective on the afterlife’s possibilities. The long moments of silence, at times stifling and at others peaceful, add an enchanting layer to the movie. So, it’s an Argentinian film that surprises with its innovative and captivating world-building, achieved with minimal effects. Chronicles of a Wandering Saint bestows a delightful blessing on viewers, blending humor, sadness, and the yearning to be close to loved ones.
Written and directed by Tomás Gómez Bustillo, the film opens with a woman, Rita Lopez (Mónica Villa), praying in a church. The movie establishes who Rita is: a devout woman with a competitive streak among her peers. While she cleans the church, the other women hang around to chat, pray or sing. So, Rita devises a plan to fake a miracle with a statue to gain recognition. But things do not go her way.
Chronicles of a Wandering Saint Has Offbeat Comedy
Laughs come unexpectedly, thanks to how seriously everyone plays their part. It begins comically after Rita and her husband, Norberto (Horacio Marassi), arrive home. Lucho adorns himself with a bright yellow poncho, the ones they wore on their honeymoon, and requests Rita do the same. But when she refuses, he decides to cook milanesas—a traditional Argentinian dish—another night. Then, the scene cuts to milanesas on a plate and ready to eat. But Rita walks in to eat wearing the bright yellow rain poncho.
It’s hilarious, and Mónica Villa sells the moment, looking uncomfortable and quiet. Chronicles of a Wandering Saint leans into comedic surprises, but underneath, the two have a beautiful relationship. Those moments show their affection for each other. Plus, it’s a love that still exists after 40 years of marriage, leaving audiences cooing.
It Builds a Fascinating World That Feels Possible
Saint still from L to R: Nahiel Dornell as Angel and Mónica Villa as Rita. Courtesy of Hope Runs High.
Many films explore the afterlife, from Beetlejuice to Ghost. However, Chronicles of a Wandering Saint stands above them with its seamless integration of the supernatural into everyday experiences. This approach leaves audiences with a lingering sense of wonder, often making them question if a ghost might be lurking nearby. Instead of the traditional hair-raising on your neck to signify a ghost’s presence, here it’s your allergies. Yes, that sudden onset of rapid sneezing is from ghosts! So, pick your reason—allergies or spectral entities. I choose the latter.
Even the afterlife bears startling similarities to life, as after Rita passes, she must choose her heavenly package. The angel who takes her through her options has all the appearance of an insurance salesperson, even arriving equipped with a speaker to play music and set the mood. Chronicles of a Wandering Saint weaves a stunning world that lingers underneath our mundane daily tasks.
Chronicles of a Wandering Saint is a priceless, must-view gem among films. It’s rare to encounter a movie that enchants, leaves room for thought and reminds us to appreciate those we love. Tomás Gómez Bustillo builds something unbelievably special, and Mónica Villa delivers a performance that carries every scene from merely staring to conversing with a light. Chronicles of a Wandering Saint crafts a contemplative wonder that sticks with audiences after the credits roll midway through and after the final scene fades to black. It is the most beautiful film on the afterlife I have ever seen.
