WRITER & DIRECTOR
Alauda Ruiz de Azúa
Are You (Eres tú), Lullaby (Cinco lobitos)

STARS
Blanca Soroa and Patricia López Arnaiz

Written and directed by Alauda Rui de Azúa, this award-winning Basque film provides a warm introduction into Basque societal norms, filled with intricacies and family complexities that can be understood by any generation. A unique coming-of-age film, this film portrays a young girl, Ainara (Blanca Soroa), who has found her purpose, and attempts to seek acceptance by family before committing to a life that demands absence and patience, contrary to that of a modern life. Doubted by her peers and family, her faith is put to the test, and boundaries are blurred, creating a beautiful, albeit confusing portrayal of the human experience.

“I’ll pray for you.” Power dynamics come into play in this production between two pivotal characters: Ainara and her aunt, Maite (Patricia López Arnaiz). A riveting conflict between the two, which begins with nurturing intentions, gradually boils over as Maite becomes more than a simple protective presence. Delicate transitions offer a more nuanced perspective into the minds of both characters, who have considerable influence on each other. As Maite emphasises control rather than understanding, and Ainara seems to shift away from emotion altogether, their eventual confrontation highlights a gut-wrenching heartbreak between two characters whose actions both stem from love.

A reggaeton-fuelled introduction sets the tone for the film, as Sundays uses music as an instrument to better understand Ainara’s personal transformation. Orchestral compositions remind us of the battle between mind and flesh, while powerful choirs provide a glimpse into the religious life Ainara grew up with, which shaped her perspective. Imagery also plays a part in the film’s visual storytelling, exhibiting dramatic contrasts between the primary hues of home and the tertiary hues, blends of nature and Catholic design shown in cathedrals, begging the ultimate question: is this her choice, a daydream, or an escape?

Rui de Azúa proves that a coming-of-age story can follow a different route yet yield the same results, personal growth that come from adolescent experiences, even when they lead in the opposite direction of modernity. However, the film’s ambiguity occasionally comes at an expense, leaving certain aspects of Ainara’s transformation underexplored and misunderstood. A deeper exploration of her internal conflict and inner monologue would have added to the emotional weight of her decision. Resentment, transformation, and contemplation, human emotion remains at the forefront, intensified alongside the presence of the Catholic God.

Sundays (Los Domingos) is showing in cinemas across Australia from October 29th, 2026.

Moviedoc thanks Palace Films for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Janer for Moviedoc

Follow on Instagram – @cksjaner

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