53 Sundays Review: When their ageing father starts to act erratically, three siblings must come together to decide on how to best care for him. Of course, it’s easier said than done!
53 Sundays Netflix Cast
Javier Cámara, Carmen Machi, Javier Gutiérrez, Alexandra Jiménez
53 Sundays Movie Writer & Director
Cesc Gay
Original Title
53 domingos
The film has a runtime of 78 minutes and is based on the play of the same name by Cesc Gay.
53 Sundays Review
In Cesc Gay’s 52 Sundays, a family drama opens up in front of our eyes, giving us a raw and intimate look at chaos and warmth when a family has to come together to decide on what to do about their ailing father, who has been acting suspiciously for some time. The film turns a familiar premise, something that is all too common in every family at some point in time, into a sharp and quietly affecting watch that gets under your skin from time to time.
Although the central conflict starts with a civil discussion, things slowly get out of hand as it spirals into issues long buried. Before long, arguments escalate as buried resentments lead to unexpected revelations. As a result, the family members are forced to confront themselves and the relationship that they share.
53 Sundays distinguishes itself from others in the genre in how these arguments and discussions are brought to light. The unravelling of the family dynamics is key here, painting a raw look at the reality of life that one could imagine. You can sense that the film is based on a play because it feels almost theatrical in some ways. The escalating tension is uncomfortable but never disturbing, and the film relies heavily on dialogue and character development rather than focusing more on creating dramatic scenarios.
The way the conversations escalate feels almost personal in some ways. The chaos is both natural and unpredictable, and I found myself engrossed in the crazy, overlapping arguments and emotional ups and downs. Thankfully, things never get out of hand, and you still get to enjoy it. I think the film is quite realistic in its approach to family arguments and tension, which is also one of its plus points.
On top of that, the excellent performances are only a plus. Carmen Machi and Javier Cámara carry the film effortlessly. The characters are written so well that they bring forth a different moral stance every time. No one is a Disney villain here – just normal people making mistakes and learning. The performances and the characters ground the film so well and hold the line between comedy and drama. The morally grey characters make the conflict feel very real.
However, if you’re looking for something other than strictly dramedy or something visually striking, then this one might just not be for you. It’s a film that doesn’t hold back from telling you the difficult moments of life, focusing on characters stuck in one location. Moreover, the premise, despite being well told, is a bit tired at this point as well.
Final Thoughts
53 Sundays is quite enjoyable and will leave you hooked from start to end, thanks to its relatable storyline and performances. The execution is flawless, and the characters are a bit too relatable. Overall, if you enjoy one-room dramas that escalate messy tension, this one’s for you.
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