The Heat After the Rain

Juana is a 30 year old woman who until now hasn’t allowed herself to be happy. An unexpected encounter with Gustavo, her ex-boyfriend, revives her most impenetrable emotions. From that moment, Juana feels forced to challenge her sadness, accept what happened and face what is to come.Feeling lonely while surrounded by people on a romeria, her heart and mind go on their own pilgrimage. The camera follows the characters from behind as if their past and bad decisions still haunt them. Cristobal Serrá manages to put together a sweet and tender character driven story. Through delicate movements, mesmerising sequences, and by never rushing, he makes the film flow in a kind of visually hypnotic way.This impressive yet small movie belies the experience of the debutant actors Milena Picado and Arturo Pardo, as well as the director Cristobal Serrá.After previously creating a short film and a documentary, Serrá delivers a subtle yet sensitive film that surprises on many levels. It also provides exposure to a new generation of filmmakers that are flourishing in Costa Rica.

(Javier Garcia Puerto)