The Mosquito Net

The Mosquito Net (Original title: La mosquitera) is a 2010 Spanish drama film about a dysfunctional family. It was written and directed by Agustí Vila. It stars Emma Suárez, Geraldine Chaplin, Eduard Fernández and Martina García.

The Mosquito Net
Promotional poster
Directed by	Agustí Vila
Written by	Agustí Vila
Produced by	Luis Miñarro
Starring	Emma Suárez Geraldine Chaplin Eduard Fernández Martina García
Cinematography	Neus Ollé-Soronellas
Edited by	Martí Roca
Music by	Alfons Conde
Country	Spain
Languages	Catalan Spanish

Plot

A bourgeois Catalan family are in a state of disarray. They are Miguel, his wife Alicia, their son Lluís, and Miguel's elderly parents. Lluís collects stray cats and dogs that now dominate the family apartment, much to his father's chagrin. Alicia is incapable of challenging the whims of her son and ponders separating from her husband. Miguel's mother, Maria suffers from Alzheimer's and her husband believes suicide may be the solution to their problems. Meanwhile, Alicia's friend, Raquel believes in a tough love method of parenting her daughter, albeit a method that leads to abuse.^[1]

Cast

• Emma Suárez as Alícia
• Geraldine Chaplin as María
• Eduard Fernández as Miguel
• Marcos Franz as Lluís
• Martina García as Ana
• Anna Ycobalzeta as Raquel
• Àlex Brendemühl as Editor
• Fermí Reixach as Robert
• Àlex Batllori as Sergi

Production

Filming began in Barcelona on 9 November 2009. The film represents the linguistic texture of the city, with the use of both Spanish and Catalan. Madrid actress, Emma Suárez had to learn Catalan especially for her role.^[2]

Chaplin described the enthusiasm she had for the project, revealing that it was "the best script that I have ever read in my life".^[2]

Reception

Agustí Vila, Martina García, Luis Miñarro and Eduard Fernández presenting the film in Karlovy Vary

The Hollywood Reporter described the film as "intriguing" and that "the questions it raises stick in the mind. It should engage audiences with a taste for complex urban quandaries presented with Spanish flair."^[3]

Suárez was nominated for the Goya Award for Best Actress and won the Best Actress Award at the Valladolid International Film Festival.^[4] The film also won the 2010 Crystal Globe at the 45th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.^[5]