'A Fantastic Woman (Una mujer fantástica)' reviews: Compelling and conventional story

Promotional image from the movie "A Fantastic Woman (Una mujer fantástica)" from Sony Classics. Sony Classics official website

The reviews are out for the new movie "A Fantastic Woman (Una mujer fantástica)," which received favorable feedback from critics who generally praised it for being compelling, conventional, and a visceral relief.

The art house drama, directed by Sebastian Lelio, received an impressive 85 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes which is a site that averages review scores from different entertainment sources. Here are what some of the reviewers had to say.

Emily Yoshida from New York Magazine wrote, "When she finally achieves the small recompense she seeks, it's a visceral relief. I just wish Vega and Lelio let us in a little more to see her as an individual, aside from the hostility she encounters."

A.O. Scott from the New York Times expressed, "The title of Sebastián Lelio's new film might seem a bit on the nose. It's a fantastic movie. Daniela Vega, the star, is fantastic in it. Quote me in the ads, with exclamation points if you must. My work here is done."

Ignatiy Vishnevetsky from AV Club stated, "Most compelling as a conventional character study of an unconventional female lead."

The story is about a trans woman named Marina (Daniela Vega) who lives with her significant other Orlando (Francisco Reyes). One day, Orlando falls seriously ill and ends up dying just after arriving at the hospital. Marina is distraught by the unexpected turn of events.

To make matters worse, Orlando's ex-wife doesn't trust her and hires an investigator to find out if she was involved with the death. She also forbids Marina to attend the funeral of her deceased lover. Orlando's family believes that Marina is an aberration and a perversion. This is what Marina has to deal with every day, unfortunately.

"A Fantastic Woman (Una mujer fantástica)" is set to premiere on Friday, Feb. 2, in theaters all across the nation.

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