Watch The August Virgin

The August Virgin is a 2019 Spanish film from director Jonás Trueba starring Itsaso Arana as Eva, a young woman who decides to stay in Madrid during the month of August instead of joining her family on their traditional beach vacation. The movie offers a glimpse into Eva's life as she navigates the city during the month when it seems like everyone else has left. As the movie begins, Eva is getting ready to move out of her apartment because her roommate has decided to move in with her boyfriend. Eva is not sure what she's going to do next, but as she spends time with her friends and family before they all leave town for vacation, she starts to feel a sense of freedom and possibility. One of the themes of the movie is the idea of the city as a living, breathing organism, and Trueba captures this through the various scenes of street musicians, festivals, and demonstrations that take place over the course of the month. Eva is affected by these events, and they provide both contrast and context to her personal journey. The August Virgin is a slow-paced movie, and it relies heavily on the performance of Itsaso Arana, who plays Eva with a quiet intensity. Although there are a few dramatic moments, the movie is more focused on capturing the mood of the city and the experiences of its inhabitants than on plot-driven action. One of the central conflicts in the movie is Eva's relationship with her ex-boyfriend, who she runs into several times over the course of the month. As they spend time together, Eva begins to question why they broke up, and whether there is still a chance for them to be together. This storyline provides a sense of momentum to the movie, as Eva's interactions with her ex force her to confront some of the emotions and choices she has been avoiding. The other characters in the movie serve to highlight different aspects of Eva's personality and life. Her friend Candela is a struggling actress who is constantly performing, while her sister is a busy mother who doesn't have much time for Eva's existential musings. Eva's encounters with various strangers, from a homeless man who plays Bach on a cello to a woman who gives her a free ticket to a matinee, provide moments of connection and reflection. The August Virgin is a visually stunning movie that captures the beauty and complexity of Madrid. Trueba and cinematographer Santiago Racaj use a lot of natural light and long takes to give the movie a dreamy vibe. The sound design is also notable, as the constant hum of the city is present throughout. Overall, The August Virgin is a meditative movie that rewards patience and attention. Although it doesn't offer any easy answers or big revelations, it is a thoughtful exploration of one woman's experience in a vibrant and changing city.