An unpleasant phenomenon is taking place in a certain area of Spain. Every week, at least one woman is killed by her husband, partner or ex-husband, or sometimes she commits the violence herself. This trend is explored in Take My Eyes, with Laia Marull starring as Pilar, a terrified housewife on the run from her husband Antonio's outbursts of rage. Although she takes her son and finds refuge with her sister Ana, she is nonetheless in love with the man who physically abuses her. For his part, Antonio desperately wants her back, and promises to attend anger management classes to improve the situation. Although Ana is skeptical, Pilar's mother approves, strongly encouraging her daughter back into her husband's home. While away from home, though, Pilar's newfound freedom has made her feel upbeat enough to seek out an entirely new career, which doesn't sit particularly well with Antonio.
The film, known as Te Doy Mis Ojos in its native country, won seven Goya Awards, which is the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars. These include Best Film, Best Director, Best Lead Actor, Best Lead Actress, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress. It has received wildly positive reviews and word-of-mouth at the various festivals where it has seen release, and looks to capitalize on that momentum when it hits arthouse theaters in North America. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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