Alanis is a 2017 Argentine drama film directed by Anahà Berneri. The movie revolves around the life of an Argentine sex worker, Alanis, who is struggling to make ends meet while facing the challenges of poverty, motherhood, and societal stigmatization. The movie begins with a shot of Alanis and her infant son, Dante, in a brothel. Alanis works with her friend, Gisela, in a rented apartment where they provide sexual services to men. The movie depicts the daily struggles and harsh realities of Alanis's life as a sex worker.
Alanis portrays the life of a marginalized sex worker who has to balance between her work and motherhood. Her clientele consists of high-end clients and exploitative men who take advantage of her vulnerable position. The movie highlights the mistreatment and abuse that sex workers often experience in their line of work.
As the story progresses, Alanis's life becomes more challenging due to several events. Her landlord evicts her from the apartment, her best friend Gisela leaves her, and she loses her job at a massage parlor. These events lead Alanis to make some tough decisions as she tries to maintain custody of her son.
The movie portrays the struggles of a young mother who is trying to provide for her child while navigating through a society that stigmatizes her profession. Alanis wants to escape the bleak circumstances of her life but is unable to do so due to her lack of resources and societal constraints.
The movie also highlights the human aspect of sex work in which an individual's choices are limited by circumstances beyond their control. Alanis's character is portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic woman who takes care of her child and tries to protect him from the harsh realities of her profession.
The movie is raw, intimate, and realistic in its portrayal of the life of a sex worker in Argentina. It sheds light on issues of poverty, gender discrimination, and exploitation that are often associated with sex work. The movie also explores the idea of choices and agency in a society that limits the choices of marginalized individuals.
The cinematography of the movie is impressive, as it captures the gritty and raw nature of Alanis's life. The camera zooms in on Alanis's expressions, emphasizing her emotions and struggles throughout the movie. The film is shot in a minimalist style, which complements the plot and delivers the message effectively.
Overall, Alanis is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that explores the life of a sex worker in Argentina. The movie provides a unique perspective on sex work, stripping away the glamorized portrayal often seen in popular culture. It is an honest and authentic portrayal of a woman who is trying to make the best of the limited choices she has in a society that often excludes and marginalizes her.
Alanis is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes.