Sex and Lucia (2002)

Lucia (Paz Vega of Spanglish) is as cute as Linda Ronstadt (pre-Spielberg) and as forthright about her dreams and desires as Bette Midler (but more demure). She takes up with gifted novelist Lorenzo (Tristan Ulloa), who becomes gradually more conflicted and depressed as he fictionalizes the two most significant relationships in his life (past and present). Fiction overlaps with reality, and as the plot unfolds, we discover what Lorenzo is going through, and is putting those most dear to him through. This is a complex and multilayered story reminiscent of the more intricately structured Memento or Crash. It is a Spanish foreign film with Amelie-like piano accompaniment set to lush visual themes centered on the sensual, undulating ocean and swollen, orb-like moon and sun. There is beautiful sex, alternately unitive or needy. Sex occupies the first third of the movie, unfaithfulness the second third, and tender reconcilation the final third. Five stars.