The Strange Case of Angelica

O Estranho Caso de Angélica

20101h 37m Directed by Manoel de Oliveira
6.5
(62 votes)
Drama

Overview

A photographer, Isaac is asked by hotel owners to take portraits of their recently deceased daughter Angélica. When he looks at her through the lens of his camera, she appears to come back to life just for him. He instantly falls in love with her. From that moment, he will be haunted by Angélica day and night.

The Strange Case of Angelica

A Haunting and Enigmatic Romance: Unpacking the Mystique of "The Strange Case of Angelica"

Clara Moreau
Clara MoreauSep 12, 2025
"The Strange Case of Angelica" is a cinematic enigma that defies easy categorization, blending elements of drama, romance, and the supernatural to create a dreamlike atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling. The film tells the story of Isaac, a photographer who is tasked with taking portraits of the recently deceased Angélica, and becomes obsessed with her after she appears to come back to life through the lens of his camera. As Isaac's fixation on Angélica grows, the boundaries between reality and fantasy begin to blur, plunging the viewer into a world of eerie and unexplainable events.

The film's use of black and white cinematography adds to its haunting and nostalgic quality, evoking the feeling of a bygone era. The camerawork is deliberate and measured, often using long takes and static shots to create a sense of intimacy and unease. The performances are also noteworthy, with Ricardo Trêpa bringing a sense of vulnerability and intensity to the role of Isaac. However, the film's pacing can be slow and plodding at times, which may test the patience of some viewers. Additionally, the narrative is often opaque and open to interpretation, which may frustrate those seeking a more conventional or straightforward storytelling approach.

Despite these challenges, "The Strange Case of Angelica" is a film that rewards close attention and multiple viewings. Its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the power of the human imagination is both profound and unsettling. The film's use of the supernatural as a metaphor for the enduring power of love and memory is particularly striking, and raises important questions about the nature of reality and our perception of it. Overall, "The Strange Case of Angelica" is a film that will appeal to viewers who appreciate complex, thought-provoking cinema, and are willing to immerse themselves in a world of mystery and intrigue. While it may not be to everyone's taste, it is a film that will linger in the mind long after the credits have rolled, haunting the viewer like the ghostly presence of Angélica herself.

CAST

Pilar López de Ayala
Pilar López de Ayala
Angélica
Leonor Silveira
Leonor Silveira
Mãe
Filipe Vargas
Filipe Vargas
Marido
Ricardo Trêpa
Ricardo Trêpa
Isaac
Paulo Matos
Paulo Matos
Homem da Gabardine
Luís Miguel Cintra
Luís Miguel Cintra
Engenheiro
Ana Maria Magalhães
Ana Maria Magalhães
Clementina
Isabel Ruth
Isabel Ruth
Criada
Ricardo Aibéo
Ricardo Aibéo
Mendigo
Sofia de Portugal
Sofia de Portugal
Enfermeira

Trailer

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