Anna Daniels
The initial twenty minutes of “In the Blink of an Eye,” the latest creation from Spanish filmmaker Victor Erice, is a mesmerizing experience. Set in 1947 on an estate near Paris called Triste Del Rey, the story revolves around an older man and a middle-aged Spanish man. The older man shares with the younger one the disappearance of his teenage daughter, believed to be in Shanghai. This sets the stage for a tale filled with cinematic references and unfinished movie footage called “The Farewell Gaze.”
The narrative jumps to 2012, where the film’s director, Miguel Garay, is approached by a television series to investigate the missing actor from “The Farewell Gaze.” Despite initial reluctance, Miguel embarks on a journey that takes him across different locations and reconnects him with various individuals from his past. The film unfolds slowly, allowing for a contemplative exploration of its characters and themes.
As the central mystery is unveiled midway through the film, “In the Blink of an Eye” delves deeper into themes of perception and introspection. The movie challenges viewers to consider what lies beyond the surface and explores the complexities of human experience and memory.
Erice’s nuanced approach to storytelling reflects a profound contemplation on age, mortality, and the passage of time. The film’s deliberate pacing may test some viewers’ patience, but its poignant exploration of life’s uncertainties resonates long after the credits roll.
