With an entirely female cast directed by Fina Torres, and filmed on the Morrocoy beach location in Venezuela, Liz in September explores individual decisions and personal empowerment. When Eva’s car breaks down during a road trip, she finds shelter in a hostel near the beach. There, she finds a group of women, who are all close friends to each other.  Eva’s style seems to be the opposite of these women. This difference turns out to be a particular challenge to the interest that Liz has taken in her. At the center of the film is the closeness that develops between Liz and Eva, a relationship that reveals the stories and affections of the rest of the women. The group is worried about Liz, who is suffering from a terrible illness, and although they try to protect her from her frailty, Liz is freedom incarnate, choosing how to live her illness, and also how to end it. Strengthened by her experiences with the group, Eva also makes her own decisions regarding herself and her relationship with Liz. Although the movie does not hide the sexual and romantic relationships between the characters, it doesn’t make them the center of attention either. Rather than a film about female homosexuality, Liz in September is a story about power and individual freedom.

​

María Ocando Finol

Arizona State University