Magical Girl (film)

Magical Girl is a 2014 Spanish-language neo-noir drama film directed by Carlos Vermut. The film stars Bárbara Lennie, Luis Bermejo, and José Sacristán in leading roles. It weaves together seemingly disparate narratives involving a father struggling to grant his terminally ill daughter's last wish, a troubled teacher with a dark past, and a mysterious woman haunted by her own secrets.

The film is known for its complex and fragmented narrative structure, shifting perspectives, and exploration of themes such as obsession, guilt, sacrifice, and the dark side of human nature. "Magical Girl" departs significantly from the typical magical girl anime tropes, instead employing the title as an ironic commentary on the commodification of desires and the deceptive nature of appearances.

The plot centers around Alicia, a young girl suffering from leukemia whose biggest dream is to own a "Yukiko" magical girl dress from a popular anime series. Her father, Luis, a recently unemployed literature teacher, desperately seeks to fulfill her wish but finds himself caught in a web of blackmail and deceit as he attempts to raise the exorbitant amount of money needed. Bárbara, a woman with a history of psychological problems, and Damián, a retired math teacher with a sordid past, become entangled in Luis's desperate quest, leading to a series of increasingly unsettling and violent events.

"Magical Girl" premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2014 and received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, unconventional storytelling, and powerful performances. It won the Golden Shell for Best Film at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, as well as Best Director for Carlos Vermut. The film also garnered multiple Goya Award nominations, with Bárbara Lennie winning Best Actress. The film’s success solidified Vermut's reputation as a significant voice in contemporary Spanish cinema.