In the past few years, we have noticed a new type of film that is hard to label in just one category, and most of the time, it looks something like this - the main focus is on one character and the way they evolve during a specific period without undergoing significant changes or major events. The whole development is similar to a time-lapse of a tulip blooming; it changes, but it does not affect the story as the blooming is the entire story.

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Víctor Muñoz's 'Julia' falls into this category as we are not sure precisely if it is an experimental short with a little storyline or a fiction film that tries to simulate reality without breaking any barriers. The entire short follows Julia, played by Marielle Alessandra, a young woman who struggles with pain that covers her soul like weeds cover a garden when no one is watching. This pain is visible throughout the film, and we see glimpses of what is causing it. This slow-paced suffering finds a point where it bleeds out and gives a little bit more to the viewer, only to keep it in place, following the rest of the story. Marielle Alessandra plays her role perfectly, and the production looks exceptionally professional. The score covering her journey is impeccably chosen, speaking more than words ever could.

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There is a scene in this short that we loved - when Julia walks through the city, at one point, she stops on a bench that has random graffiti tags on it. That shot with her standing on the court is one of the most beautiful portrayals of angst we've seen lately. Her empty look in a part of the city where usually it is filled with people is the perfect metaphor for loneliness.

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'Julia' tells a story, and there is no doubt about it, but are you willing to listen?

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Written by Vlad A. G