"Las Cosas Que Brillan" (2025): A Mermaid's Tragedy and a Nation's Stain

Imagine a world where the shimmering allure of the unknown clashes violently with the brutal reality of conquest. This is the world brilliantly, and often heartbreakingly, brought to life in "Las Cosas Que Brillan" (The Things That Shine), a 2025 release that transcends the familiar mermaid tale to deliver a potent commentary on colonialism, family, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. More than just a fantasy, this film, nurtured by the BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab, is a visceral and thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Plot: A Descent From Innocence

The film centers on Coralía, a young mermaid bursting with curiosity about the world beyond her underwater kingdom. Disobeying her mother, the stoic and protective Queen Marina, Coralía ventures to the surface, drawn by the "things that shine" – the trinkets and treasures discarded or lost by humans. Her fascination quickly turns to terror when she encounters a Spanish conquistador, Captain Rodrigo, during a violent raid on a coastal indigenous village. This encounter, far from a romantic meet-cute, is a brutal clash of civilizations, leaving Coralía traumatized and forever altering the course of her life and the delicate balance between the underwater world and the encroaching human one.

The narrative unfolds in three distinct acts. The first act establishes Coralía's idyllic life, her playful nature, and her growing yearning for the surface. The underwater world is depicted with stunning visual beauty, emphasizing the harmony and peace that exist before human interference. The second act is the turning point, marked by the harrowing encounter with Captain Rodrigo. This scene is particularly impactful, not only for its violence but also for its depiction of the conquistadors' callous disregard for life and culture. The third act explores the consequences of this encounter, both for Coralía and for her kingdom. It delves into themes of trauma, revenge, and the struggle to preserve one's identity in the face of overwhelming external forces.

While the core narrative is relatively straightforward, the film's strength lies in its nuanced exploration of its characters and themes. The plot avoids simplistic good versus evil tropes, instead presenting a complex picture of human nature and the destructive power of greed and ambition.

Characters: Echoes of History

The characters in "Las Cosas Que Brillan" are richly drawn and serve as powerful allegories for the historical events they represent.

• Coralía: The protagonist, Coralía, is more than just a curious mermaid; she embodies the innocence and vulnerability of a culture on the brink of destruction. Her initial naiveté is shattered by her encounter with Captain Rodrigo, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of the world above. Her journey is one of profound loss and transformation, as she grapples with trauma and ultimately embraces a more militant stance to protect her people.
• Queen Marina: Coralía's mother, Queen Marina, is a formidable and protective leader, deeply aware of the dangers posed by humans. Her initial disapproval of Coralía's fascination with the surface stems from a place of love and a desire to shield her daughter from harm. Her character represents the wisdom and experience of a generation that has witnessed the devastating impact of colonialism.
• Captain Rodrigo: The antagonist, Captain Rodrigo, is not portrayed as a cartoon villain but as a complex and flawed individual driven by ambition and a thirst for conquest. He embodies the brutal and often contradictory nature of colonialism, driven by a desire for wealth and power but also convinced of his own righteousness. The film avoids demonizing him entirely, instead offering glimpses into his motivations and the societal pressures that contribute to his actions.
• Aukán: A member of the indigenous tribe raided by Captain Rodrigo, Aukán forms an unlikely bond with Coralía. He represents the resilience and spirit of the native peoples who suffered under colonial rule. His character provides a crucial human perspective on the events unfolding and highlights the shared suffering of those impacted by the conquistadors' actions.

The relationships between these characters are complex and emotionally resonant. The mother-daughter dynamic between Coralía and Queen Marina is particularly compelling, showcasing the tension between tradition and progress, protection and freedom. The relationship between Coralía and Aukán, though fraught with initial mistrust, ultimately blossoms into a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance.

Direction: A Visionary Hand

Director Isabella Rodriguez demonstrates a masterful command of storytelling and visual language in "Las Cosas Que Brillan." Her direction is both sensitive and unflinching, capturing the beauty of the underwater world while also confronting the harsh realities of violence and oppression. Rodriguez's vision is evident in every aspect of the film, from the meticulous set design to the carefully choreographed action sequences.

Rodriguez's strength lies in her ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in reality. The underwater kingdom is not simply a CGI spectacle but a vibrant and believable ecosystem, populated by diverse and fascinating creatures. The coastal village raided by the conquistadors is equally authentic, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous people.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold organically and giving the audience time to connect with the characters. Rodriguez avoids relying on cheap thrills or sensationalism, instead opting for a more nuanced and emotionally resonant approach. The action sequences are impactful but not gratuitous, serving to highlight the brutality of the conflict rather than simply providing entertainment.

Given the support from the BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab, Independence Public Media Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and Wyncote Foundation, it's clear that Rodriguez had the resources and support necessary to bring her vision to life. This collaborative effort is evident in the film's high production value and its commitment to telling a meaningful and impactful story.

Cinematography: A Symphony of Light and Shadow

The cinematography in "Las Cosas Que Brillan" is nothing short of breathtaking. Cinematographer Sofia Ramirez masterfully captures the beauty and wonder of the underwater world, using light and shadow to create a sense of depth and mystery. The underwater scenes are particularly stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the ocean to life. The contrast between the serene beauty of the underwater kingdom and the harsh reality of the surface world is visually striking, emphasizing the devastating impact of human interference.

Ramirez's use of color is particularly noteworthy. The underwater world is awash in blues, greens, and purples, creating a sense of tranquility and harmony. The surface world, in contrast, is often depicted in harsher, more muted tones, reflecting the violence and destruction that plague it. The use of light and shadow is also masterful, creating a sense of drama and suspense in key scenes.

The camera work is fluid and dynamic, immersing the audience in the action. Underwater shots are often long and sweeping, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the beauty of the marine environment. Close-ups are used sparingly but effectively, highlighting the emotions and inner turmoil of the characters.

Performances: Embodying Myth and Humanity

The performances in "Las Cosas Que Brillan" are uniformly excellent, with each actor fully embodying their character and bringing a sense of depth and authenticity to the story.

• Isabela Torres as Coralía: Torres delivers a breakout performance as Coralía, capturing the character's innocence, vulnerability, and eventual transformation with remarkable skill. She is equally convincing as the playful young mermaid and the hardened warrior, conveying the emotional toll of her experiences with nuance and depth.
• Carmen Silva as Queen Marina: Silva brings a regal presence and quiet strength to the role of Queen Marina. Her performance is understated but powerful, conveying the character's wisdom, protectiveness, and unwavering commitment to her people.
• Javier Mendoza as Captain Rodrigo: Mendoza avoids portraying Captain Rodrigo as a simple villain, instead offering a nuanced and complex portrayal of a man driven by ambition and societal pressures. He manages to elicit both empathy and revulsion, highlighting the complexities of human nature.
• Ricardo Gómez as Aukán: Gómez delivers a heartfelt and compelling performance as Aukán, capturing the character's resilience, dignity, and unwavering spirit in the face of oppression. His chemistry with Torres is palpable, adding emotional weight to their shared journey.

The actors' commitment to their roles is evident in every scene, making the characters feel real and relatable. Their performances elevate the film beyond a simple fantasy, transforming it into a powerful and emotionally resonant story about identity, loss, and the struggle for survival.

Themes and Messages: Echoes of Colonialism

"Las Cosas Que Brillan" is more than just a fantastical mermaid tale; it is a powerful allegory for the historical events of colonialism and their lasting impact on indigenous cultures. The film explores several key themes:

• The Destructive Nature of Colonialism: The film vividly depicts the violence, exploitation, and cultural destruction that accompanied the arrival of European colonizers in the Americas. The conquistadors' greed and disregard for human life are starkly portrayed, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition.
• The Loss of Innocence: Coralía's journey represents the loss of innocence experienced by indigenous cultures as they were confronted with the harsh realities of colonialism. Her initial naiveté is shattered by her encounter with Captain Rodrigo, forcing her to confront the darkness and brutality of the outside world.
• The Importance of Cultural Preservation: The film emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural identity and traditions in the face of external threats. Queen Marina's unwavering commitment to protecting her kingdom and its way of life serves as a powerful reminder of the need to resist cultural assimilation.
• The Power of Resistance: Despite the overwhelming odds, the characters in "Las Cosas Que Brillan" refuse to be defeated. Coralía and Aukán, in particular, embody the spirit of resistance, fighting to protect their people and their cultures from destruction.
• The Interconnectedness of All Life: The film subtly highlights the interconnectedness of all life, both human and marine. The destruction of the underwater world and the coastal village are presented as interconnected events, emphasizing the need for environmental stewardship and respect for all living things.

The film's message is clear: colonialism is a stain on human history, and its legacy continues to impact communities around the world. "Las Cosas Que Brillan" serves as a powerful reminder of the need to learn from the past and to work towards a more just and equitable future.

Comparison: Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future

While "Las Cosas Que Brillan" shares some thematic similarities with other mermaid tales, such as "The Little Mermaid," it distinguishes itself through its mature and nuanced exploration of colonialism and its focus on the perspectives of indigenous cultures. Unlike the Disney classic, which centers on a romantic relationship between a mermaid and a human prince, "Las Cosas Que Brillan" presents a far more complex and politically charged narrative.

In some ways, the film can be compared to "Pocahontas," another Disney film that attempts to grapple with the themes of colonialism and cultural clash. However, "Las Cosas Que Brillan" avoids the romanticized and often problematic portrayal of indigenous cultures that characterized "Pocahontas." Instead, it offers a more realistic and nuanced depiction of the violence and exploitation that accompanied the arrival of European colonizers.

Given the film's themes and its support from the BlackStar Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab, it also resonates with other works that explore the experiences of marginalized communities and challenge dominant narratives. Films like "Roma" and "Minari," which also received critical acclaim for their nuanced portrayals of cultural identity and family dynamics, share a similar commitment to authentic storytelling.

Director Isabella Rodriguez's previous short films, known for their exploration of themes of identity and belonging, foreshadowed her talent for crafting emotionally resonant and socially conscious narratives. "Las Cosas Que Brillan" represents a significant step forward in her career, showcasing her ability to handle complex themes and create visually stunning and emotionally impactful cinema.

Positive Aspects: A Shimmering Success

"Las Cosas Que Brillan" is a triumph on many levels. Its strengths include:

• Compelling Storytelling: The narrative is engaging, emotionally resonant, and thought-provoking.
• Richly Drawn Characters: The characters are complex, relatable, and fully embodied by the actors.
• Stunning Cinematography: The visuals are breathtaking, creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.
• Powerful Performances: The actors deliver exceptional performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
• Meaningful Themes: The film explores important themes of colonialism, cultural preservation, and resistance.
• Excellent Direction: Isabella Rodriguez demonstrates a masterful command of storytelling and visual language.

Constructive Criticism: Refining the Shine

While "Las Cosas Que Brillan" is a remarkable achievement, there are a few areas where it could be improved:

• Pacing in the Third Act: The pacing in the third act felt slightly rushed compared to the deliberate pace of the first two acts. A more gradual exploration of the consequences of Coralía's trauma and the escalating conflict between the underwater kingdom and the human world could have added greater emotional depth.
• Further Exploration of Captain Rodrigo's Motivations: While the film avoids demonizing Captain Rodrigo, a deeper exploration of his motivations and internal conflicts could have added another layer of complexity to his character. Understanding the societal pressures and personal experiences that contributed to his actions could have made him a more compelling and nuanced antagonist.
• Subtlety in Certain Symbolic Elements: At times, the film's symbolic elements felt a bit heavy-handed. A more subtle approach to conveying the film's themes could have allowed the audience to draw their own conclusions and engage with the story on a deeper level.

These minor criticisms do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the film. "Las Cosas Que Brillan" remains a powerful and moving cinematic experience.

Conclusion: A Must-See Masterpiece

"Las Cosas Que Brillan" is a stunning and thought-provoking film that transcends the familiar mermaid tale to deliver a potent commentary on colonialism, family, and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. With its compelling storytelling, richly drawn characters, breathtaking cinematography, and powerful performances, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in socially conscious cinema and the untold stories of marginalized communities. Isabella Rodriguez has crafted a masterpiece that will resonate with audiences for years to come.

Rating: 9.5/10