There are few films harder to watch than those that deal with dementia, and waning health in the elderly. Beautiful as Michael Haneke's 2012 movie 'Amour' was it's a prime example, and possibly more so Gaspar Noé's underappreciated 2021 drama 'Vortex.' Preceding both, Sebastián Silva's 'Old cats' ('Gatos viejos') is definitely another, rather made more vexing for the fact that while the chief characters are sympathetic in various ways, none of them are very likable. Add in strained dynamics between those characters, and the result is sure to be ugly - though also ripe for cinematic storytelling. For that matter, this feels like it could rather easily be adapted as a stage play, which really emphasizes how much it zeroes in on the characters' personalities, flaws, and conflicts. No, it's not easy to watch, but damn if it isn't sharp and biting, and delicious as a viewer.
Ninety minutes pass surprisingly fast as strife and heightened emotions swirl between unloving Isadora, struggling with increasing physical and mental fragility; strong-willed husband Enrique; Isadora's cruel, manipulative daughter Rosario; and Rosario's butch girlfriend, Hugo. Every line and look passed between them is a live wire that could spark a terrible fire, and with Isadora's health and mental state adding another level of harsh drama, the tension boils over into a sense of suspense by way of dread at what might come to transpire. Silva and co-writer Pedro Peirano whipped up a harsh, absorbing screenplay in which the cutting dialogue, electric scene writing, and the narrative at large are built around the characters, with every idea herein seeming to arise organically from how Isadora, Enrique, Rosario, and Hugo are written. With such a smart, tight focus, the picture is able to remain firmly grounded and centered, and whatever direction the story takes, it's guaranteed to be compelling and satisfying. And so it is, through to the end.
I claim no familiarity with anyone involved, but Silva's direction is impeccable in bringing out the frayed nerves and fraught energy of his figures. The cast is simply terrific, with Bélgica Castro naturally standing out most in her portrayal of Isadora that deftly balances her stubborn personality with her growing feebleness, and Claudia Celedón possibly even outshines Castro in playing Rosario with so tempestuous a flare. Smart cinematography and editing further accentuate all those small facets that contribute so much to the drama, and when all is said and done the finished feature is excellent all around. It's rather a shame that this hasn't gotten more recognition, for I feel it certainly deserves it. It may not wholly demand viewership, but I quite think anyone who appreciates a finely made drama will find it to be just as rewarding a viewing experience. Maintaining a plainspoken tone and allowing the proceedings to speak for themselves, 'Old cats' is a superb title that's gone far too unnoticed in the past several years, and I'm happy to give it a hearty recommendation.
