Tristana (1970)

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Spain, our tale unfolds with the death of a servant, thrusting her young daughter Tristana into a world of uncertainty. Thrust into the guardianship of Don Lope, a decadent yet respected aristocrat, she finds herself trapped in a complex web. Known for his anticlerical leanings and socialist principles, Don Lope is a paradoxical figure who commands respect from society, despite his unconventional views. His charismatic personality, however, conceals an insidious weakness for women. In his charge, the innocent Tristana becomes an unwilling participant in Don Lope's lascivious desires. A perverse lover-father dynamic emerges as he exploits his role as her guardian, robbing Tristana of her innocence. Yet, he simultaneously feeds her notions of freedom, an ironic twist that underscores the ambiguity of their relationship. Indeed, freedom manifests in the form of the charismatic painter, Horacio. A whirlwind romance ensues, providing Tristana the escape she yearns for from Don Lope's clutches. But fate deals a cruel hand, and a debilitating disease forces her to return to her former guardian, with her youthful enthusiasm replaced by a life-altering physical ailment. Now a hardened, cynical woman, Tristana's spirit is as severed as her leg. In a twisted turn of events, Don Lope proposes marriage, to which she consents. But the consequences of his past transgressions loom in this bitter union, a poignant reminder of the devastation wrought by his manipulative actions. Tristana, once an embodiment of innocence, now mirrors Don Lope's own cynicism, a testament to the transformative power of life's trials. "Tristana" is a haunting exploration of power, manipulation, and the potential for resilience in the face of life's cruelties. It's a tale that examines the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of unchecked desire, and the high price of freedom.

Tristana is a drama movie featuring Catherine Deneuve.

Tristana is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Cohen Media Amazon Channel, MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Tristana on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.