Volver is proof positive that Penelope Cruz is an actress who best makes sense
within the context and confines of her native culture; it’s here that
she seems most comfortable and alive, be it playing either alluring or
melancholic characters. Cruz’s English language films have by and large
turned her into a bauble, and while part of that is certainly in the
respective writing of these pieces, it comes through in the
performances too. Even those movies in which she affects a full-blown
arc — like Blow’s temptress-turned-harridan, for instance — Cruz seems less unique, less vibrant, less memorable.
Thankfully, English isn’t her only language. Hopefully Volver augurs many happy Spanish returns. For the full review and explication of this thesis, from FilmStew, click here.
