Bella

Featuring a pair of exceedingly compelling performances, Bella follows sensitive chef Jose (Eduardo Verastegui) as he spends the day with recently-fired (and newly pregnant) waitress Nina (Tammy Blanchard). Plotwise, that’s about it; director and co-writer Alejandro Gomez Monteverde seems content to follow these two central characters as they engage in a series of increasingly personal conversations (revelations abound, particularly with regard to Jose’s mysterious past). Despite the inclusion of a few melodramatic elements, Bella generally remains an engaging and accomplished piece of work – with the film’s superb performances contributing heavily to this vibe. Blanchard, in particular, does a spectacular job of stepping into the shoes of a sassy, emotionally damaged figure. Best known for her role as the young Judy Garland in a made-for-television movie, Blanchard delivers a searing, unexpectedly powerful performance that certainly eliminates any doubt as to her abilities.

**1/2 out of ****