Berlin, Germany — Flies (Moscas), directed by acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Fernando Eimbcke, has emerged as one of the standout contenders at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival. The film, competing for the prestigious Golden Bear, delves into themes of loneliness, grief, and unexpected human connections, set against the backdrop of Mexico City.
Eimbcke, known for his earlier work Duck Season, told Reuters that the story is about “how opening up to others could allow in something special.” He likened the narrative to opening a window to let out a buzzing fly — an act that inadvertently lets in something positive.
The film follows Olga, a woman living a strictly regulated and solitary life in a large apartment complex. Financial pressures force her to rent out a room to a man who secretly brings his nine‑year‑old son to stay. Against her own expectations, Olga begins to form an unlikely bond with the child, gradually reshaping her carefully controlled existence.
Shot in black and white, Flies emphasizes emotional intimacy and subtle shifts in human relationships. Critics have praised its quiet yet powerful exploration of how grief and isolation can be transformed through unexpected companionship. The Berlinale screening has positioned Eimbcke’s latest work as a poignant reflection on urban solitude and the fragile bonds that can emerge in the most unlikely circumstances.
Source: Reuters
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