Movie Review: The Message

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Screened at Stockholm International Film Festival 2025

I was completely captivated by this film! It’s a beautiful, almost dreamlike road movie that feels incredibly real. It follows this found family as they wander, and it’s less about a big story and more about the little moments and the beauty of their simple, nomadic life. It really feels like you’re watching a documentary, but with a poetic touch.

The Argentinian film The Message is a road movie and a story about family. It follows three people traveling through the countryside offering a special service: helping pet owners communicate with their animals. Young Myriam has a rare gift – she can act as a medium between people and their pets. Though some might see it as a trick, this ability allows her guardians, who drive her around and manage her appointments, to earn a living.

This unique film provides a personal and honest look at a traveling roadside attraction and the people who live and work in their motorhome. They rely on recommendations and occasional news stories to get by, and their popularity is steadily increasing. Director Iván Fund blends a documentary-style approach – capturing a spontaneous and natural feel – with beautiful, cinematic visuals, using striking black-and-white photography.

At its heart, the film is a sincere portrayal of a young girl and the couple who raised her. Their journey, constantly moving from place to place, forms the central story. A beautiful soundtrack creates a relaxed and captivating atmosphere, drawing the viewer into the world of this unconventional family as if riding along with them. Their lifestyle is quietly fascinating, and the film respectfully presents them as they are, without explaining their past or judging their choices – simply allowing them to live authentically.

The film has a gentle, innocent quality, creating a dreamy and magical atmosphere. While many stories might explore darker themes or foreshadow trouble, The Message focuses on small details and everyday moments. It unfolds gradually, piecing together information as it comes, and prioritizes experiencing the present rather than building towards a big, complicated plot.

“Tell me your stories.”

The actors truly shine, particularly Anika Bootz, Mara Bestelli, and Marcelo Subiotto, who make this often captivating road trip so engaging. Subiotto’s character is mysterious yet consistently supportive, while Bestelli, as the mother, delivers a strong, talkative performance. But it’s Bootz, playing Myriam, who truly captures the film’s spirit with a wonderfully natural and endearing performance – she’s the one who really draws you into the story.

At an hour and a half long, The Message is a subtle and character-driven film that prioritizes emotional depth over a fast-paced story. Its realistic style and unusual pacing create an engaging experience, enhanced by its striking black-and-white visuals, which lend a quiet and poetic quality. Though occasionally slow and understated, the film’s blend of genres offers a unique and gentle power. Ultimately, The Message is a carefully crafted and observant film defined by its memorable and beautiful scenes.

The bottom line: Gentle

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2025-12-23 19:43