Emma Corrin, Olivia Rodrigo, and Joe Alwyn may have graced the red carpet for the ‘El Affaire Miu Miu’ screening and dinner in Venice, but beyond the celebrity photo ops lies a deeper exploration of filmmaking and the feminine perspective. This short film, part of Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales series, is the brainchild of Argentinian director Laura Citarella, a rising star in the New Argentine Cinema Movement.
Citarella’s ‘El Affaire Miu Miu’ presents a unique blend of mystery, fashion, and a distinctly female approach to storytelling. The film follows an all-female detective squad in Argentina as they investigate the disappearance of a model during a Miu Miu photoshoot. The investigation takes on an intriguing twist as the detectives become captivated by the model’s clothing, viewing them as mystical artifacts from another world. This fascination with the garments, their intricate details, and their unexpected presence in the Argentinian landscape, forms the heart of the film’s visual and narrative intrigue.
Citarella’s previous work, ‘Trenque Lauquen,’ a four-and-a-half-hour film nominated at the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti Awards for best film, has earned her recognition for her bold and unconventional filmmaking style. Her dedication to exploring themes of mystery, often through lengthy narratives, is evident in ‘El Affaire Miu Miu.’ She sees the extended duration as a way to fully immerse viewers in the story and the characters, creating an experience akin to reading a novel and becoming fully absorbed in its world.
This commitment to long-form storytelling is also linked to her perspective on the female experience. Citarella believes that women often embrace ambiguity and uncertainty, preferring to allow time and patience to unfold the complexities of life rather than seeking immediate answers. This approach is reflected in the film’s structure and character development. The detectives in the film represent a collective effort, with no single protagonist. Their exploration of the mystery, their fascination with the clothes, and their understanding of the nuances of the case, are portrayed as a group endeavor, highlighting the strength and value of shared experiences and perspectives.
Citarella’s film is a unique and intriguing exploration of the intersection of fashion, mystery, and female perspective. It offers a compelling and thought-provoking look at the world through a female lens, inviting viewers to embrace the beauty of ambiguity and the power of time in unraveling the complexities of life.
