Are the voices in your head calling you to Gloria Bell? Sebastián Lelio remakes his own film into the English language, with Julianne Moore assuming the titular role of a woman with a penchant for 80s music and dancing.
Middle-aged Gloria Bell finds herself navigating the single life, dating fellow divorcees who bring their own baggage and messy breakups to their new relationships. One such love interest, Arnold, struggles to deal with a recent separation and moving forward with a life at Gloria's side.
Fit to burst with 80s bangers and a free-spiritedness, Gloria Bell is a terrific little film with both heart and soul. A comparatively simple story of a woman rediscovering herself and her worth, the film touches upon themes of ageing, liberation and self-acceptance in this profound, uplifting effort. It masters a fine balance between something thematically relatable and emotionally resonant with a character arc that feels unique to that of Gloria.
Lelio's adapts his screenplay into English with the help of Alice Johnson Boher, and while a post-Bell viewing of the original illustrates very little difference in the content of the two, this remake is elevated by the more recognisable songs for an English-speaking audience. Of course Laura Branigan's Gloria is used fabulously at a crucial moment, while Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart scores an instantly iconic moment, with the soundtrack carefully-crafted with emotionally-appropriate numbers that enrich the messages and beats along Gloria's journey.
Fit to burst with 80s bangers and a free-spiritedness, Gloria Bell is a terrific little film with both heart and soul. A comparatively simple story of a woman rediscovering herself and her worth, the film touches upon themes of ageing, liberation and self-acceptance in this profound, uplifting effort. It masters a fine balance between something thematically relatable and emotionally resonant with a character arc that feels unique to that of Gloria.
Lelio's adapts his screenplay into English with the help of Alice Johnson Boher, and while a post-Bell viewing of the original illustrates very little difference in the content of the two, this remake is elevated by the more recognisable songs for an English-speaking audience. Of course Laura Branigan's Gloria is used fabulously at a crucial moment, while Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart scores an instantly iconic moment, with the soundtrack carefully-crafted with emotionally-appropriate numbers that enrich the messages and beats along Gloria's journey.
Furthermore, on a directorial front, the improvement in Lelio's style is clear to see; while still well-refined, there are stylistic flourishes to Gloria Bell that provide it with a visual vibrancy, enhanced further by subtle but notable work from cinematographer Natasha Braier. Lelio's control of tone is just as impressive this time around, decidedly warmer - mainly informed by the central performance - but still infusing the darkly comic and melancholic moments with real aplomb.
With a simpler premise than most other films in the cinematic landscape at the moment, most of Gloria Bell's success hinges on its lead: thankfully, Julianne Moore is perfectly suited to the titular role and utterly thrives as the dancing queen. Exuding a real warmth that makes the film and character so magnetic and likeable, Moore delivers a lively, lived-in star turn with depth to Gloria's story that only the most skilled actresses could achieve: at times, it feels as if we're prying into her deepest thought, with impressive texture to the life before joined her. Her get-up-and-go is transparent and certainly infectious, but she tempers a loneliness and slight desperation through her nuanced expression, looks and gestures. It truly is superior work and whether the film will be weighty enough to withstand award season remains to be seen, Julianne Moore definitely deserved to be in the conversation at the very least.
In a sea of CGI spectacle and blockbuster filmmaking, Gloria Bell is a breath of fresh air. Armed with a barrage of brilliant 80s bops, Sebastián Lelio's remake might be slight in scale but its all-encompassing emotion ensures that this wholesome project is every bit as enjoyable as it is thoughtful. With a compelling lead performance from Julianne Moore, an impressive balance of uplifting and melancholy, and a final sequence that will plaster a smile on your face and put a spring in your step, Gloria Bell is nothing short of delightful. You better catch this on the rebound!
8/10
8/10
Summary: Are the voices in your head calling you to Gloria Bell? They should be, because Sebastián Lelio's English-language remake is an enjoyable effort boasting a wonderful performance from Julianne Moore and equally impressive 80s playlist.