‘They Will Be Dust’ Review: Carlos Marqués-Marcet Orchestrates a Delicate Dance with Death in Lively Musical

As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s seen more than my fair share of cinematic masterpieces, I must say that “They Will Be Dust” is a truly unique and moving exploration of life, love, and loss. Carlos Marqués-Marcet has once again demonstrated his exceptional storytelling prowess, this time delving into the complexities of aging and the choices we make when faced with mortality.


As a fan, I find Carlos Marqués-Marcet’s film “They Will Be Dust” remarkably poignant. Instead of dancing around the topic of death, he boldly places an elderly couple in ballet shoes, suggesting they’ve decided it’s time to leave their earthly journey. This unconventional approach resonates deeply, especially since many shy away from discussing death. The drama is moving in more ways than one, as it follows a septuagenarian duo planning a one-way trip to Switzerland. What’s striking is the level of intimacy this film achieves, even for a director known for his sensitivity. Music and dance serve to break open emotions that dialogue alone might struggle to reach.

In my perspective, Marqués-Marcet’s unique approach to his fourth film is quite predictable given that his earlier works have been about different phases of life. Following the success of his debut “10,000KM” which delved into the challenges faced by a young couple in a long-distance relationship, it feels profound to witness Marqués-Marcet tackle another form of distance in this film. The character Claudia (played by Ángela Molina) is grappling with a progressive condition that has created a chasm between her and her husband Flavio (Alfredo Castro), even when they are physically together, no longer resonating on the same frequency as they did in their past decades.

Titled “They Will Be Dust”, this work, jointly crafted by Clara Roquet, Coral Cruz and myself, commences with a remarkable single take sequence. In this scene, a request for paramedics to address a manic episode at Claudia and Flavio’s household transforms into an expressive tango dance between the woman and the responders. The technical finesse of the camera work and dance choreography in this scene is undeniably captivating; however, it’s the visual discordance that stands out – Flavio, along with their live-in daughter Violeta (played by Monica Amirall), struggles to keep pace with the dance. This incongruity serves as a prelude, not only for the surreal elements that subtly pervade the narrative, but also for the idea that partners may find themselves out of sync when it comes to matters of making the choice to die with dignity, even when full acceptance is not achievable.

Various emotions surface among the family, as they discover Claudia and Flavio’s intentions, which were unexpected since they believed the couple was planning to renew their vows instead. Meanwhile, Violeta may feel a tinge of envy towards her siblings, Manuel (Alvan Prado) and Lea (Patricia Bargello), who have had the chance to build their lives while she’s been pouring herself into caring for Claudia. Everyone might harbor anger towards Flavio, who is healthier than his wife, yet chooses to end their journey together, a devotion that even Claudia may not fully understand. The filmmakers graciously provide an outlet for these complex feelings by allowing the characters to express themselves through singing and dancing, ensuring that at least one listener will hear their heartfelt emotions.

The film could benefit from adding a few more songs to truly capture its potential, as Marqués-Marcet’s strategic use of music creates an anticipated rhythm that the movie doesn’t quite maintain consistently. However, these musical segments offer a rare emotional depth, featuring exceptional contemporary choreography by Marcos Morau and Le Veonal. This choreography immerses Claudia in a dance of death, with the dancers’ unusual movements serving as a backdrop she seamlessly adapts to mimic.

Musician Maria Arnal contributes an exceptional score to this production as well, merging the worldly and the spiritual in a unique fashion. Instead of a traditional orchestra, the music incorporates elements such as leaf blowers and pruning shears within a garden setting. This is just one example among many ways that “They Will Be Dust” explores feelings, but the feelings evoked can be unexpected given the film’s lighthearted approach to mortality. The film’s conclusion is the only aspect tinged with sadness, as it marks the end of this enchanting narrative itself.

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2024-09-08 02:16