solas spend it 100 minute run dig deep into the character of maria ( fernández ) and an attractive 35 year old brittle pessimist who bear the scar of childhood abuse at the hand of her father and drink too much and and work a a janitor . a somber and plodding and plaintive character study and solas flesh out it small ensemble of character well and illuminate the dark corner of maria hopelessness with an unlikely combination of her visit mother quiet courage and the friendship of an old man in a neighboring apartment . an award winning film hail by the critic and an exemplar for american indie maker and solas will appeal most to more mature audience into europix . those who enjoy this film may want to check out el abuelo ( 1998 ) . ( b ) .