A dance with destiny: Exploring ‘They Will Be Dust’
A unique take on life’s final act
Carlos Marqués-Marcet breathes life into the somber subject of death with his latest film, They Will Be Dust. In a world where many tread lightly around the topic, Marqués-Marcet boldly places an elderly couple in ballet shoes, contemplating their final steps. This unconventional drama is moving in more ways than one, following a septuagenarian pair on a one-way trip to Switzerland. The film achieves an intimacy that is rare, even for a director known for his sensitive touch, using music and dance to express what mere words cannot.
A journey through life’s stages
Marqués-Marcet’s approach to his fourth feature may surprise some, but the subject feels inevitable. His previous films have explored different stages of life, from the youthful struggles in 10,000KM to the poignant distance observed in They Will Be Dust. Claudia, played by Ángela Molina, suffers from a degenerative condition that has distanced her from her husband Flavio, portrayed by Alfredo Castro. Despite sharing the same bed, they are no longer in sync, a stark contrast to their earlier years.
A captivating opening
Co-written with longtime collaborators Clara Roquet and Coral Cruz, They Will Be Dust opens with a stunning single take. A call to paramedics for Claudia’s manic episode transforms into a tango between her and the responders. The choreography and camerawork are breathtaking, but what stands out is Flavio’s inability to match their steps, along with their live-in daughter Violeta, played by Monica Amirall. This disconnect sets the stage for the film’s more fantastical elements and the notion that partners can be out of step when it comes to choosing to die with dignity.
Family dynamics and emotional depth
The film delves into the varied reactions of the family, who are shocked to learn of Claudia and Flavio’s plans. They believed they were gathered to witness the couple renewing their vows. Violeta harbors mild resentment towards her siblings, Manuel (Alvan Prado) and Lea (Patricia Bargello), who have moved on with their lives while she has devoted herself to caring for Claudia. The family’s anger towards Flavio, who is in better health but cannot imagine life without his wife, adds another layer of complexity. This compassionate gesture, misunderstood by Claudia, highlights the filmmakers’ ability to convey deep emotions through song and dance.
The power of music and dance
The film could benefit from a few more musical numbers, as Marqués-Marcet’s careful use of them sets up expectations of a rhythm that the film never fully settles into. However, the musical breaks that do occur are rich with feeling, featuring modern choreography by Marcos Morau and Le Veonal. Claudia’s dance with death, surrounded by dancers whose movements she mimics, is particularly striking.
Composer Maria Arnal’s score blends the earthly and the ethereal, with scenes set in a garden featuring an orchestra of leaf blowers and pruning shears. This unorthodox approach to accessing emotion is just one of many ways They Will Be Dust surprises viewers. The film’s attitude towards death is refreshing, ambivalent about the afterlife but unafraid of it. The only sadness comes from the film’s conclusion, leaving the audience wanting more.
Watch the trailer
For a glimpse into this moving and unconventional drama, watch the They Will Be Dust trailer.
They Will Be Dust is a testament to Carlos Marqués-Marcet’s ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and creativity. The film’s use of music and dance to explore the complexities of life and death is both innovative and deeply moving. For cinema enthusiasts, it’s a must-watch that offers a unique perspective on the final act of life.