'Honesty', a magnificent professional psychodrama revolving around nudity

It is not surprising that what in 2022 was the first film written and directed by Francesc Cuéllar, Jusqu'ici tout va, may have ended up on a theater stage. Because there is a lot of theater, good theater, in this daring cinematic debut. "It seems more like theater than film to me," said, among others, someone named #Promont in the reviews of the film on Filmin, where it can still be seen.

Cuéllar himself has adapted and directed this magnificent dramaturgy of a professional psychodrama brilliantly portrayed by Míriam Iscla and Dafnis Balduz. Starting with the confrontation between a film director and the lead actress who refuses to film the planned and previously agreed-upon nude scene, Cuéllar delves into the meaning of artistic work, its objectives, and the necessary honesty. An ethical and aesthetic reflection in a metaphorical black-and-white stage space (Lola Belles) in which even the pages of the actress's contract are black. A reflection that questions patriarchal legacies and paternalism, that raises the limits of friendship, and ultimately the roots of the capitalist game in cinema. And it does so with a fluid dialogue that confronts the actress's desire and need with the director's desire and need in a splendid back and forth of questions, explanations, reproaches, even threats, in an intense and emotional confrontation despite an excess of film references and the interest of the text. Peccadillo Alongside the performance by Miriam Iscla and Dafnis Balduz.

She exudes confidence in what she says and what she demands, while he reveals the fragility of the creator in the face of the creative process. In the end, each exposes their vulnerabilities. Fantastic. A production that sparks debate after the performance, especially among industry professionals, but highly recommended for anyone who appreciates theater of ideas. We recommend the seats in the center of the aisle for the fullest experience.