Holy Girl, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -2

A run-down hotel in Argentina provides a seedy setting for a seedy story about a mother and daughter attracted to the same man. Hotel owner Helena (Mercedes Moran) and her 15-year-old daughter, Amalia (Maria Alche), live in one room of the hotel and seem close. Helena, however, is preoccupied with a group of doctors convening in the hotel. She has little time to take interest in Amalias religious studies at the Catholic school. In a street crowd, Dr. Jano (Carlos Belloso), one of the hotel guests, purposely or unconsciously his intent is never made clear rubs against Amalia. Both repulsed and aroused, she decides God has called her to save this stranger. She confides in her best friend, Josefina (Julieta Zylberberg), why she is stalking Dr. Jano, who becomes alarmed when he sees her everywhere. The plot thickens, or sickens, when Helena falls in love with the middle-aged man. The Spanish dialog is subtitled in English.

Amalia certainly seems sincere in her strong conviction that God leads her to Dr. Jano. She recites litany after litany, asking God what he wants her to do. In classes, her instructor harps on being aware of Gods call to a vocation. Mixed with her deep religious convictions is her sexual awakening that would be almost comical if not so serious. When she finally confronts Dr. Jano, she tries to kiss him, but hes aware that this girls strange obsession could destroy his career and family. Oblivious, Helena decides to aggressively pursue Dr. Jano, knowing hes a married man. The adult subject matter alone makes The Holy Girl inappropriate for the under-17 crowd, and brief male frontal nudity, some sexual activity between two teenagers and a passionate kiss between two teen girls earn it a minus acceptability.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Fine Line