Doña Malinche: A Heavy Piece of History

Is it worth your time?

If you like old-school black and white dramas that lean heavily on dialogue and stage-like blocking, you might get a kick out of Doña Malinche. It’s not for the casual moviegoer who wants fast cuts or modern pacing. If you hate slow burns or movies that feel like a filmed history lecture, just skip it.

There is a real sense of theatricality here. The actors carry themselves like they are on a grand stage rather than a film set. It’s funny how they project their voices even in the close-ups. 🎭

The weight of the past

The movie is clearly trying to tackle some massive cultural baggage. It feels a bit stiff, sure. But there’s a grit to it that I actually kind of liked. It’s not trying to be a The Dare-Devil style romp.

The lighting is super dramatic, almost like everything is happening in a perpetual late-afternoon shadow. There is this one scene near the middle where the characters are just staring each other down for what feels like five whole minutes. I found myself looking at the wallpaper in the background more than the actors. It’s a bit distracting but also weirdly hypnotic.

A different kind of rhythm

The pacing is honestly all over the place. Sometimes it rushes through big historical moments like it's trying to catch a bus. Then, it halts completely to let someone deliver a monologue about destiny. It reminds me a bit of the disjointed energy in Wu Li Chang, where the narrative feels like it’s being held together by duct tape and sheer willpower.

• The costumes are surprisingly detailed, even if they look a bit uncomfortable.
• The sound quality has that charming, slightly crackly hiss of old film.
• I’m still not sure if the long silences were artistic or just a technical limitation.

It’s not a perfect film. It’s not even a particularly smooth film. But it has a presence. You can tell they really cared about the story, even if they didn't quite know how to make it move like a modern thriller. Sometimes, that lack of polish is exactly why it’s worth a look. It feels honest in its struggle to be important.

If you have a free afternoon and a high tolerance for old-fashioned drama, give it a shot. Don't expect to be wowed, just expect to be observed by a piece of history that’s trying its best to stay awake. 🎞️