In Her Place (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“In Her Place,” originally titled El Lugar de la Otra, is Chile’s Oscar entry for 2024, directed by Maite Alberdi. Based on a real-life crime from the 1950s, the film follows the trial of María Carolina Geel, a famous Chilean writer who murders her lover. The narrative captures the imagination of Mercedes, a timid secretary working for the judge defending Geel. While the film features moments of elegance and humor, it struggles to land a satisfying punch, leaving some viewers unsatisfied. In this review, we’ll explore the themes, performances, and where you can watch “In Her Place” online in the United States.
Plot Overview
Set in 1950s Chile, “In Her Place” blends elements of true crime, psychological drama, and domestic melodrama. The movie centers around Mercedes (Elisa Zulueta), a mousy, overburdened secretary to a senior judge. She becomes increasingly fascinated by the glamorous life of María Carolina Geel (Francisca Lewin), a popular writer who is on trial for the murder of her lover. Mercedes, stuck in an uninspiring marriage and stifled by domestic responsibilities, finds herself drawn to Geel’s sophisticated world. She begins visiting Geel’s apartment, trying on her clothes, and slipping into her glamorous lifestyle.
The narrative subtly touches on issues of female empowerment, class disparity, and identity, but its full potential is never quite realized. While the story appears to promise a gripping psychological thriller, it leans more towards a domestic drama, leaving some of its darker themes underexplored.
Themes and Style
The film is an intricate blend of genres. It teases the viewer with Hitchcockian visual cues and a noir-inspired aesthetic but doesn’t fully commit to the darker undertones of its story. The cinematography by Sergio Armstrong, production design by Rodrigo Bazaes Nieto, and costumes by Muriel Parra evoke a sense of 1950s Chilean elegance, but the digital sheen slightly detracts from its atmospheric intention.
Thematically, “In Her Place” raises interesting questions about identity and liberation. Mercedes’ fascination with Geel represents a yearning for freedom from the mundane restrictions of her life. This is a recurring motif in feminist narratives, where female characters explore new versions of themselves through dangerous or unconventional means. However, despite this rich setup, the movie fails to deliver the psychological depth and complexity it hints at. Mercedes never fully transforms or suffers meaningful consequences for her actions, which limits the film’s emotional and narrative impact.
Performance
Elisa Zulueta’s portrayal of Mercedes is both a strength and a limitation of the film. She brings a bright, likable quality to the character, which aligns with the lighter tone the film occasionally strikes. However, her performance doesn’t dive into the deeper psychological complexities that a character like Mercedes could offer. Francisca Lewin, as María Carolina Geel, is captivating in her limited screen time, portraying a woman whose allure and confidence mesmerize not just Mercedes but the entire public following her trial.
Critical Reception
“In Her Place” has been met with mixed reviews. Some critics appreciate Alberdi’s unique blend of genres and her ability to weave elements of humor, drama, and mystery. However, many argue that the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its premise. While the true-crime elements surrounding María Carolina Geel’s case are undoubtedly fascinating, the decision to frame the story from Mercedes’ perspective weakens the impact. Some suggest that a documentary approach might have served the material better, given Alberdi’s background in documentary filmmaking.
Where to Watch ‘In Her Place’ Online
As of October 2024, “In Her Place” is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix in the United States. Netflix’s vast international library has been key in bringing foreign-language films, like “In Her Place,” to a global audience. This aligns with the platform’s ongoing push to provide more diverse and culturally rich content to its subscribers.
For those looking to rent or purchase the film, no rental or purchase options are available yet through platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. However, Netflix’s exclusive streaming rights indicate that the film might not be available for rental or purchase for some time.
Conclusion
“In Her Place” is an intriguing film that tackles complex themes of identity, liberation, and class, yet it leaves much to be desired in terms of narrative depth and psychological tension. While the performances are solid and the film is visually appealing, it struggles to maintain the momentum needed for a satisfying conclusion. Despite its flaws, the movie’s historical basis and its connection to real-life events make it a compelling watch, particularly for those interested in true-crime stories with a dramatic twist.
For viewers in the United States, “In Her Place” is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. While the film may not have the dark thrills some might expect, it offers a glimpse into 1950s Chile and the life of a woman yearning for more than her domestic confines. Whether you’re a fan of foreign cinema or true-crime dramas, “In Her Place” is worth watching, even if only for its unique perspective on a little-known historical case.
