Mar Coll's 'Salve Maria' Explores Dark Maternal Themes at Locarno
At the Locarno Film Festival, running until August 17, 2024, Mar Coll's film 'Salve Maria' tackles the taboo subject of maternal evil. Based on Katixa Agirre's book 'Le madri no', the film follows a new mother struggling with postpartum depression, difficulty bonding with her child, or potentially infanticidal thoughts. The protagonist becomes obsessed with a news story about a mother who drowned her twins, leading her to confront her own rejection of motherhood and guilt. The film questions whether a mother can choose to end her child's life, either through actual death or emotional neglect, and challenges the stereotype of the good mother. Coll's work is noted for its psychological horror elements and its willingness to provoke discussion on a complex issue.
Key facts
- Mar Coll's film 'Salve Maria' is in competition at the Locarno Film Festival.
- The festival runs until August 17, 2024.
- The film is based on Katixa Agirre's book 'Le madri no'.
- The protagonist is a new mother facing postpartum depression or infanticidal thoughts.
- She becomes obsessed with a news story of a mother who drowned her twins.
- The film explores maternal evil and the rejection of motherhood.
- It incorporates psychological horror elements.
- The film aims to deconstruct the stereotype of the good mother.
Entities
Artists
- Mar Coll
- Katixa Agirre
- Carlotta Petracci
Institutions
- Locarno Film Festival
- Artribune
Locations
- Locarno
- Switzerland