a South American companion
piece to Megan Griffiths’ under-
seen North American indie Sa-
die, in which a teenage girl simi-
larly plots a disturbing act while
ignored by all those around her.
But The Sharks has its moments
of humor too, often arising from
the idea that Rosina is clearly
functioning on an intellectual
level unmatched by her family
and friends. A scene in which she
tries not to lose her rag while
helping her luddite mother use
a computer is one that will likely
resonate with many a teen. Ro-
sina’s expression as she’s forced
to listen to a group of her fellow
schoolgirls’ filthy discussions of
their sex lives suggests she’d
gladly detonate a suicide vest in
their vacuous presence.
As Rosina, Bentancur perfectly
embodies the frustration of that
time of life when you’re told to
behave like neither a child nor
an adult, the purgatory of post-
pubescence. Her stiff and gangly
presence is like a coil waiting
to spring, a scream suppressed.
When she cracks a grin in the
presence of nobody but herself
it’s a moment that’s both unset-
tling and liberating. w
The Sharks
3 1/2 stars out of 5
Directed by: Lucía Garibaldi
Starring: Romina Bentancur, Federico Morosini,
Fabián Arenillas, Antonella Aquistapache,
Valeria Lois
NJ STAGE - ISSUE 70
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