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Film Review
‘Bella’: Heartfelt tale
focuses on life’s joys
It is uncommon for a film to make a clear, confident moral statement from which audiences of all demographics can benefit. It is even less common for a film that does make such a statement to be good.
“Bella” (Roadside Films/Metanoia Films), which will be released Oct. 26, does just that — it takes a moral stand and exhibits the qualities of excellent filmmaking.
This independent film — the first from the newly developed production company Metanoia Films — promotes life in a way that is neither cheesy nor preachy, but simple, moving and ultimately convincing.
The bulk of the film’s plot takes place over the course of a day in New York City and the surrounding area. José, played by Eduardo Verastegui, is the head chef at his brother Manny’s restaurant in the heart of the city. He makes quick friends with Nina — a waitress at the restaurant played by Tammy Blanchard — after his brother fires her for being late.
Nina, José finds out, was late because she just found out she is pregnant. She tells him that she plans to have an abortion. José begins to question her about the abortion in a mild-mannered way, but does not push. As the day continues, Nina discovers more about José’s past and begins to understand why he is so gently committed to convincing her not to end her unplanned pregnancy.
The positive way life is portrayed in “Bella” — in all its facets and potential — is stunning. However, audiences shouldn’t pigeonhole “Bella” as film that only addresses abortion. That would narrow the scope of the film’s greater themes of the sanctity, gift and absolute joy of life as a whole — which includes, but is not limited to, the lives of unborn children.
Yet it’s the story the film tells that makes “Bella” great. Excellent performances by both lead and supporting actors capture that story.
Verastegui is incredible as José — a complex character he portrays with graceful subtlety. The other actors play their roles well, although Blanchard’s performance fades in Verastegui’s shadow.
The depiction of the trauma abortion causes is also a big part of what makes “Bella” special. Scenes that briefly show Nina at a clinic preparing for and beginning her abortion process are gut wrenching. While the trauma of abortion is absent from other films, “Bella” confronts the reality of the procedure — showing the pain a mother suffers in an unforgettable way.
The film also makes clear the positive, long-term effects of a devoted and loving family — particularly through a celebration of the Hispanic family tradition.
Although the message is well nuanced, “Bella” isn’t perfect. While “Bella,” as an independent film, can communicate raw emotion in a way other films can’t, certain scenes are a bit too contrived and play out awkwardly.
“Bella” also takes awhile to get moving and doesn’t really hit its stride until midway through. The second half of the film is twice as captivating as the first, but well worth the wait.
The cinematography and general direction of the actors create beautiful screen pictures that are as captivating as the story first-time director Alejandro Monteverde tells.
“Bella” is about the true joy of human life — a theme that coincides with teachings of the Catholic Church. In particular, it calls to mind the teachings of the late Pope John Paul the II in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae.
In that document, the late pontiff writes, “Life is always good. This is an instinctive perception and a fact of experience, and man is called to grasp the profound reason why this is so.”
“Bella” does exactly that — it helps viewers truly enter into the profound mystery regarding why life is so good, so joyful and so important for all people. It does not answer the question, but it attests to the reality of the mystery — a mystery for which no film can provide an answer.
“Bella” doesn’t try to, but instead asks people to think about the mystery of life’s goodness. The answer to that question, as the film eloquently proves, is different for every person.
Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.
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