La Amiga De Mi Amiga

Available on Mubi now

This whip-smart comedy from Barcelona-based director Zaida Carmona works equally well as a love letter to one of Europe’s coolest cities and a celebration of sexual freedom. Its screenplay, co-written by Carmona and Marc Ferrer, is focused on a young woman (played by Carmona) who is reeling from a break-up, only to find solace in the company and affections of a group of like-minded lesbian friends.

Carmona makes for an authentic screen presence, as does the supporting cast of Alba Cros, Aroa Elvira, Rocío Saiz, and Thaïs Cuadreny. Despite its modest budget, La Amiga De Mi Amiga maintains a chic aesthetic and makes good use of a soundtrack that serves as a celebration of local musicians, in particular Christina Rosenvinge, who is feted by Carmona’s character and even cameos in a handful of dream sequences.

At its most interesting, this picture examines the pros and cons of polyamory, with many of its characters celebrating their lack of commitment whilst simultaneously yearning for deeper, more meaningful relationships. Such contradiction alludes to a more introspective, meaningful film than La Amiga De Mi Amiga ever manages to be, with Carmona instead electing to persevere with a light, too-cool vibe that is charming but ultimately rather hollow.