Film Review: Cracks

This is an amazingly twisted independent film. I've been a fan of Eva Green ever since I first saw her in The Dreamers.  Released in 2009, Cracks explores the beauty and tragedy of innocence; it is something so valuable those without it desire to strip those who possess it.

Set in the 1930s at a prestigious British all girl school, Miss G (played by Eva Green pictured above and left) is a popular swim teacher. Her girls look up to her very much and hang on her every word. They are astonished by her travels, bravery, beauty, wild stories, and passion. It is amazing to watch Eva Green portray this character as she is so believable and draws the audience in; you almost feel like you are one of her students. The happy dynamic soon changes when an aristocrat by the name of Fiamma (played by María Valverde pictured above and right) comes to join Miss G's class all the way from Spain.  She is desperately homesick and withdrawn. Immediately, the other girls do not like her which only adds to her discomfort. When it is time for swim class she shows up late because it's too cold. When Miss G asks her to dive after the other girls she does so beautifully and Miss G shouts, "Fiamma sets the standard!", as everyone claps in astonishment. Di (played by Juno Temple pictured bellow with the head scarf) is insanely jealous of the attention Miss G starts giving Fiamma. During lunch, Fiamma tells the girls of her travels all over the world. She gets packages from her family full of Spanish goodies and cards and shares them with the girls. Di is usually the leader but Fiamma seems to win their affections without even trying. Fiamma is everything Miss G desires to be: she is cultured, independent, strong, well traveled, and well-read.

One of my favorite scenes is when Miss G is telling a story to the girls about her time traveling and how her partner was captured by an alligator. The girls are in awe but Fiamma has a bewildered smirk on her face. Before Miss G can finish her sentence, Fiamma finishes it for her. The glance they exchange is pure genius and reveals it all. She tells Di that Miss G is reciting a passage from a book and that Miss G is a poser. Miss G becomes even more infatuated with Fiamma as time passes; going so far as to tell her she will be here forever. When Fiamma tells her her father will come and get her, this makes Miss G sad to the point of tears. She goes into town and gets Spanish food to make her comfortable. However, this makes Fiamma uncomfortable. Miss G wants to be "the best of friends" with Fiamma and she follows her around campus. Not only is this attention unwanted but Miss G's pursuit doesn't go unnoticed and this strikes severe jealously with Di and the other girls but especially Di. There comes a point where Miss G crosses a line; a line so irreverent it will undoubtedly make the audience uncomfortable and detest Miss G. When Fiamma comes forward with the truth, the reaction is almost textbook to how individuals in her place are treated. They are not believed, blamed, and re-victimized.




Cracks dares to challenge the stereotype that only men are sexual aggressors. However, there is a population of women who abuse children. You will often hear about father and daughter molestations but almost rarely hear about mother and daughter or mother and son molestations. Check this movie out and watch it a few times. Each time you watch it there will be layers upon layers that will reveal themselves about each relationship. The actions of some of the characters are sad, disappointing, and hard to watch but artistically, Cracks is a gem!