Written and directed by Cayetano González, Adel takes an aesthetically charged look at the shallowness of aesthetics themselves. In the form of a dramatic monologue, delivered as a voiceover by Didi Anderson, the film dives into the mind behind the face of a successful model named Adel. Adel is played by real-life model Adel Iudina and the introduction to the film draws on her real life experience of being raised by her mother and grandmother in St Petersburg.
The tone of the film is uniquely unsettling, working with a blend of seriousness and moments of tongue in cheek satire. The film doesn’t allow the audience to passively engage, instead demanding an active attention to fully appreciate the different positions suggested. If watched closely, the film isn’t a justification of art or the modelling industry, but rather an acknowledgement of the fact we feel compelled to justify everything. Adel looks at the lies generated by the world of fashion – the ceaseless editing and adjusting that brings perfection within reach.
While the film is largely concerned with the personal development of Adel’s individuality and self-acceptance, there is a sense of universality too. Director Cayetano González gives a large amount of freedom for the audience to read into the film as much as they would like. The ambiguity does allow for misinterpretation, however Adel leans into this and makes it part of its intrigue.
The cinematography and visual aesthetics of the film are arguably the most successful elements. With elegant lighting, extravagant poses, and a general atmosphere of electricity, Adel is a glowing testament to González’s work as a photographer. González’s talent transfers to film as he manages to capture the unique moment of pause contained in a photograph within the moving images of the model. The director’s work with natural light seeps through the cinematography of the film, creating an authentic sort of beauty.
In conjunction with model Adel Iudina’s excellent performance, a special mention must be given to the costume designer Carolina Badía, and her assistants, Paula García and Inés Charles for the brilliant outfits that make the film so compelling. The same goes for hair and makeup designer, Paca Navarro. The music by Carlos Vera and Sergio Díaz De Rojas combined with Anderson’s voiceover creates an alluring soundtrack. They work together in harmony to add a rich and lustrous veneer to the film.
Watch the trailer below.