Spanish cinema also has its own version of “Charlie’s Angels,” but here, they juggle action with changing diapers, doing the shopping, and trying to prevent their relationships from falling apart. Mataharis (2007), the fourth feature film directed by Icíar Bollaín, which is now available on RTVE Play, tells the story of three detectives, played by María Vázquez, Najwa Nimri, and Núria González. Their job is to uncover the secrets of others, but they soon realize that some truths are better left unknown, and that they’ve been hiding lies from themselves.
Mataharis was ahead of its time, tackling the challenge of work-life balance for women in a powerful way. This theme is most evident in Najwa Nimri’s character, whose story was added to the script at the last minute when the director was reflecting on her own life. Fully immersed in filmmaking, she had no choice but to leave her children in the care of a nanny.
A Stripped-Down Najwa Nimri
Najwa Nimri’s character, Eva, is a woman passionate about her work, constantly feeling guilty for not spending enough time with her partner and child. Between diapers, she balances domestic chores with work stress and marital arguments. In this film, Najwa appears completely natural, without makeup, far removed from the stylized roles she had previously taken on. The character is deeply shaped by motherhood, moving away from the androgynous aura that had defined the actress since her debut in Salto al vacío (1995), where she played a non-binary character.
Based on personal experiences of the director, the plot is filled with everyday moments and realism. Najwa had also just become a mother that year, which adds an authenticity to her performance. It’s likely the finest portrayal of her career, as she delivers a raw and deeply moving interpretation of the struggles women face in balancing work and family.
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