A thought-provoking exploration of a woman’s journey to freedom
In Her Place is Chile’s latest crime drama but crime drama is not the right words to describe it. The film is more a psychological exploration, a feminist critique, and a piece of art all in one. If you’re looking for a gripping thriller then walk away, this film is more keen on using a real-life incident to provoke thought and discussion.
The movie is set in 1950s Chile and revolves around Mercedes, who works for a judge but does all the tasks of a housewife at home, caring for her husband and two young boys. In 90 crisply edited minutes that will hold your attention from start to finish, In Her Place unravels the life of its ordinary protagonist.
The trigger is a murder case where a famed writer named Georgina (based on a real writer) shoots a man named Robert point blank in a restaurant full of people. As the judge ponders the evidence, Mercedes (who has access to Georgina’s keys) begins to use the writer’s lavish apartment as her own. A decision that sets off a journey of becoming.
The writing is key here and In Her Place absolutely nails it. The script and Elisa Zulueta’s fantastic performance portray Mercedes’ transformation in a slow and steady way as she dons Georgina’s clothes, uses her makeup, reads her books, and sleeps in her bed. There’s no dramatic flair or abrupt change in her.
Instead, the story favours the subtle rebellion of things like darker lipstick, fancier dresses, a shiny gold bracelet, and the exceptional opulence of being able to relax in a bathtub.
These might sound like little things but they represent a revolution in Mercedes’ world — one where she tirelessly works at her job and then comes home to manage a house of four, often hosting relatives and cooking meals of which she gets the smallest share. The movie highlights this contrast well, washing her family home with a tint of sepia while Georgina’s apartment blooms with vibrant colours.
At the same time, the crime investigation becomes a societal exposé. Conflicting accounts of the incident reveal just how harshly Georgina’s independence is judged. The relationship between her and Robert explores patriarchy and its conflict with women’s desires. The mystery of the crime itself dives into themes of romance, art and imitation.
There are a few things that the story could have explored deeper. Like the notion of class and how women’s freedom often depends on it. But for the most part, In Her Place pulls these different themes together into a compelling narrative.
Ultimately, neither the crime nor Georgina is the focus in In Her Place. They are but a catalyst for Mercedes, the movie’s true protagonist. And the genre isn’t quite crime drama as much as slice-of-life. It keeps the story grounded in the daily life of an ordinary person rather than hunting for the answer to a mystery. There’s no dramatic reveal, no escalation of Mercedes’ fascination with Georgina.
Not everyone will understand or even enjoy this movie. But any woman who has spent sweltering hours in a kitchen will resonate with the release Mercedes gets in that apartment.
Read More: In Her Place Ending Explained
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Verdict - 8.5/10
8.5/10