Aces

Neneta (Lola Dueñas) is abruptly cast into the role of single parent after her partner walks out on her. Adjusting to her new life, she moves back to her provincial hometown in Galicia, where she confronts judgement from her mother and the old fashioned community in her struggles to find a job and start a new life. There is a lot of warmth in this story that thankfully manages to avoid the saccharine, and this is largely achieved by the energy and dynamics of the ensemble cast. The supporting characters are sensitively drawn and humanistically portrayed, but it is the cohesiveness between performers as a whole that really makes the difference. The downside of this is that there is such a good energy amongst the characters that there is no conflict or tension as Neneta wins over her would-be-nemeses far too easily.

Less successful is the portrayal of the main character. Dueñas, although very watchable, seems to wander through the film with a bizarre dopey grin plastered on her face, smiling in sometimes inappropriate times which, although making her very warm and likeable, also makes her come off as a bit of an imbecile at some points. However the bulk of the problem lies in the writing and direction rather than actual performance. The story structure sets Neneta up to face several challenges, but the ease with which they are overcome is laughable. The trials and tribulations faced by single parents are countless, but none seem to apply to Neneta. After a short job-hunt, she finds a job in construction which pays well enough for her to buy a flat. The ‘lynching initiation’ she is subjected to by her workmates is mild and it’s no surprise when they all end up friends relatively quickly. Her mother, who is initially set up to be an antagonistic character, seems quite happy to mind the kid while Neneta is working… and while she bonds with the boys at the pub… and whilst she is romanced by male suitors in classy restaurants… in fact, this film would have you believe that being a single mother is a rollicking adventure.

Similarly, the prejudices women face in male-dominated work environments is also downplayed. Neneta doesn’t seem to experience any more bullying than any male new kids on the block. The sexual harassment, which is mild to begin with, doesn’t last long and all it takes for Neneta to win over her co-workers is to send a round of shots their way.

Ultimately, this is a film with no drama. Every potential antagonist is quickly quashed and Neneta is allowed to continue on her bubbly, happy-go-lucky trajectory. So it’s no surprise either when the film ends at the most interesting part of the story… the Spanish building bubble bursts, Neneta loses her job and is forced to sell her home. Curiosity peaked? Stay tuned for the sequel – in the meantime here’s some scrolling credits.

There are several stories here worthy of telling, but sadly Aces smacks of a production team that fundamentally doesn’t understand the tribulations of the characters it is presenting, so rather than an authentic portrayal, we have instead a bizarre avoidance of the struggles of women/single parents/those affected by the economic crisis. If you can get over the insulting minimisation of disadvantage, the warm characters and light humour could be entertaining enough.

Aces (Os fenómenos)
Directed by Alfonso Zarauza
Spain, 2014, 103 mins 

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