Vida de Familia (2017)

English Title: Family Life

Directed by: Cristián Jiménez, Alicia Scherson

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!

Synopsis: A man named Martin (Jorge Becker) housesits for the family of a second cousin named Bruno (Cristián Carvajal) and settles into their home a bit too much.

Cartoon Cat: An animated black cat walks across the opening titles at the start of the film.

Family Life - animated black cat walking across credits

Featured Feline: Bruno’s family owns a black cat named Mississippi who is first seen sleeping with the daughter when Bruno’s wife Consuelo (Blanca Lewin) checks on her.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi lying on bed with little girl

After the family leaves for Paris, Martin first sees Mississippi in the courtyard.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi walking in courtyard

Martin is naked in the bathroom when Mississippi meows and gets his attention. He picks up the cat.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi held by Martin Jorge Becker in bathroom

“Talking to cats is ridiculous,” Martin complains. “I came here to be quiet, not to talk, especially not with you.” Martin then holds up Mississippi to look him in the eye. “Look man,” he says, “I’m not going to buy you any special food. You eat the same food as always. If you miss your owners, too bad. And if you need something, meow, but only a little. Don’t bug me. Got it?”

Family Life - black cat Mississippi held up by Martin Jorge Becker in bathroom

This doesn’t seem to deter Mississippi from hanging out with Martin, even sleeping with him.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi lying on bed with Martin Jorge Becker
Family Life - black cat Mississippi lying on bed with Martin Jorge Becker

Mississippi then goes missing. Martin Googles a random photo of a black cat to use on a Lost Pet poster.

Family Life - black cat Google search on computer

Martin then meets Paz (Gabriela Arancibia), a neighbor who has lost her dog. He starts to spend time with Paz and her son Seba (Lucas Miranda). Fortunately Mississippi returns home.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi looking through glass in door
Family Life - black cat Mississippi with Martin Jorge Becker and Paz Gabriela Arancibia

Martin and Paz begin a relationship built in part on lies that Martin is telling her. Martin sits with Mississippi on the stairs.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi sitting at top of stairs with Martin Jorge Becker

Seba looks down upon his mother and Mississippi in the courtyard.

Family Life - Seba looking down at black cat Mississippi lying and Paz in courtyard

As the lies and deception grows deeper, Martin takes some comfort in Mississippi’s company.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi with Martin Jorge Becker in messy library
Family Life - black cat Mississippi lying with Martin Jorge Becker in messy library

Consuelo comes home and greets the cat. She and Bruno then discover the things Martin has been up to while they have been gone.

Family Life - black cat Mississippi sitting on couch

Purr Blur: At the end of the film Paz comes to the house looking for Martin. As she turns and walks away, a cat exits the bushes nearby and walks behind her.

Family Life - Paz Gabriela Arancibia walking down street with cat behind her
Family Life - Paz Gabriela Arancibia walking down street with cat behind her

Final Mewsings: When hiring a cat sitter, make sure they care about your cat!

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