"Straight from Juana Acosta's Movie: Baffling Enigmas Featuring Shirley McLaine and Kiti Manver"
In the heart of Andalusia, Seville, the snow-kissed city became the unexpected backdrop for the heartwarming film, "The Inconvenience." Originally planned to unfold in the bustling streets of New York, the story took a unique turn, weaving its magic in the charming Spanish city instead.
The film, an adaptation of Juan Carlos Rubio's play "100 square meters," tells the story of two women, Sara and Lola, played by Juana Acosta and Kiti Mánver, respectively. Acosta and Mánver had previously worked together in "An Hour More in the Canaries." For Mánver, the role of Lola marked one of the few leading roles of her career, and she shared the screen for the first time with José Sacristán, who played Lola's ex-husband.
The apartment offered to Sara is a 100-square-meter gem, boasting bright interiors and stunning views of the Giralda. However, there's a catch: the former owner, Lola, will continue to reside there until her final moments. Despite the inconvenience, Sara decides to buy the apartment, setting the stage for an unconventional friendship to bloom.
At first, Sara and Lola clash, their antipathy a stark contrast against the backdrop of their shared living space. But over time, their differences give way to friendship, a testament to the power of understanding and compassion.
Directed by Bernabé Rico, "The Inconvenience" won the audience and young jury awards at the Málaga Festival in 2020. Kiti Mánver's performance as Lola earned her the Silver Biznaga for Best Actress at the same festival.
Interestingly, the original title of "100 square meters" was "The Inconvenience" before its premiere in Spain. The film's original setting was a remote gas station in Nowheresville, California, as established in a sci-fi short. However, the creative team decided to shift the story to Seville, adding new elements such as Sara's backstory with her husband and Lola's past with her ex-husband.
Director Bernabé Rico and Juan Carlos Rubio considered casting Shirley MacLaine as Lola, but the offer went unanswered. Regardless, the snowfall scene in Seville, a remnant from the initial New York setting, was kept in the movie due to oversight and was later realized to be very powerful, as it had only snowed once in Seville, in 1954.
"The Inconvenience" is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected changes can lead to the most beautiful stories.
The average rating of "The Inconvenience" on entertainment platforms like movies-and-tv shows indicates a high level of audience appreciation. This heartwarming film, set in Seville, features celebrated celebrities like Juana Acosta, Kiti Mánver, and José Sacristán, showcasing their exceptional performances in the world of entertainment.
