On a summer vacation at her grandparents’ house in Mallorca, teenage Cata spends her days playing tricks on her little sister Eva, annoying her grandmother, conspiring with her grandfather, and flirting with boys. This lazy holiday routine comes to a halt one night when she discovers her Grandma’s dead body. The girls’ mom arrives to help, but the role of caretaker she assumes is unwelcome. Time stops in this house that, strangely, already felt stuck in time. Unable to process her grief, Cata turns to her grandmother’s belongings. Suddenly, objects and clothes she’d never seen now mean something to her, giving her purpose. She begins playing dress-up with her grandfather, who is unable and unwilling to move on from this shocking loss. Cata takes on a new role at home, or rather, this new role takes over Cata.
“A muted mystery that beguiles while remaining deeply grounded in its evocative setting.” – The New York Times, Critic’s Pick
“The ambiguity on the matter is quite intoxicating.” – RogerEbert.com, 4/4 Stars
“A captivating drama that explores preciousness of life.” – The Film Stage
“An unexpectedly tender ghost story.” – Filmmaker Magazine
“A rare, nuanced look at grief and growing up.” – Cineuropa
“One of the most impressive debuts of the year.” – International Cinephile Society
“A gorgeous film with a breakout performance from Zoe Stein.” – From the Fourth Row
“Forastera is quiet, powerful, and elegant.” – Film Threat
