In ‘Polvo serán’ (They Will Be Dust), the latest film by Carlos Marqués-Marcet, contemporary dance and ensemble drama intertwine in a bold and moving exploration of the inevitability of death. Claudia (Ángela Molina), a terminally ill woman, decides not to passively wait for her illness to consume her autonomy. Alongside her lifelong partner, Flavio (Alfredo Castro), they plan a trip to Switzerland to end their lives together. However, what begins as a private farewell turns into an impromptu party when they invite their daughter Violeta (Mònica Almirall) and their other children to celebrate their “final wedding.”
The film, awarded the prestigious Platform Prize at the Toronto Film Festival, blends moments of profound emotion with sharp humor, challenging conventions around grief and death. As the children arrive, astonished to join this celebration, Violeta becomes the bridge between her parents and the legacy they are about to leave behind. With a meticulous approach, Marqués-Marcet captures the harsh reality of human existence, using movement and music to express what words often cannot.
Through dance sequences that evoke both joy and sadness, ‘They Will Be Dust’ invites us to reflect on life and love in its purest and most vulnerable form. The story becomes a mirror that reveals not only the protagonists’ desire to find dignity in death but also the struggle of those left behind to understand and accept this complex reality. With masterful performances and a narrative that defies expectations, this film is a celebration of humanity in all its beauty and chaos, reminding us that even in death, there is room for connection and joy.
Followed by a Q&A with director Carlos Marqués-Marcet.
