The Desert Bride (2017 film)

The Desert Bride is a 2017 Argentine-Chilean drama film directed by Cecilia Atán and Valeria Pivato. The film stars Paulina García as Teresa, a housekeeper in San Juan, Argentina, who finds herself stranded in the desert after a roadside mishap.

The plot centers around Teresa's journey of self-discovery and unexpected connection with a traveling salesman, El Gringo, played by Claudio Rissi, after she loses the family she works for during a bus stop. Separated from her employers and without her belongings, she is forced to rely on El Gringo's assistance, leading to an unlikely relationship as they navigate the unfamiliar landscape.

The Desert Bride explores themes of loneliness, aging, societal expectations placed upon women, and the potential for connection in unexpected places. It is known for its slow-paced narrative, atmospheric cinematography capturing the vastness of the desert, and the nuanced performances of its lead actors. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section.