This week on Max, one of the top movies worldwide is “Carmen,” a musical drama starring Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera. The movie, which was released in 2022, is currently the second most watched title on the platform, only behind Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” according to FlixPatrol.
However, in the US, the movie isn’t available on the platform, but instead you can rent it on Amazon, Google, Youtube and Vudu. Rossy de Palma and Elsa Pataky are also part of the cast of the film, which premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. It had a wide release in the US in 2023.
The film was directed by choreographer Benjamin Millepied in his directorial debut. It is loosely based on the iconic 1875 opera by Georges Bizet, which in turn is inspired by Prosper Mérimée’s novella. Set in the present day along the Mexico-U.S. border, it follows Carmen (Barrera) as she travels from Mexico to Los Angeles looking for freedom, and her romance with Aidan (Mescal), a Marine with PTSD.
Mescal showcase his musical talent in ‘Carmen’
Mescal filmed this movie at the same time as “Aftersun,” the drama for which he got his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The Irish star, who is also known for the BBC series “Normal People,” showcases his musical talent by singing, playing guitar and dancing in “Carmen.”
Barrera, who is known for appearing in “Scream” and the Netflix’s series “Keep Breathing,” said that Mescal was “strong and very graceful,” despite not having experience at dancing in this capacity. “He’s a natural. And he’s one of those actors that are just good at everything. Probably he could do anything,” she told People Magazine.
Millepied, a former Director of Dance at the Paris Opera, is known for his work in the ballet sequences in “Black Swan.” Here, he teams up with composer Nicholas Britell (Succession, Moonlight, Andor) who created new songs for the movie with Julieta Venegas and Taura Stinson.
The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances of the cast, as well as the choreography and style. However, many found the story an emotionally hollow adaptation of the tragic novella.
