Caralique is an emotional film that is also beautiful and inspiring. This film has an excellent story, talented actors and pretty props, designs and costumes. Caralique is truly a work of art that everyone should experience.
This film follows a girl, Caralique (Isabella Blake-Thomas), from her journey as a young, 8-year old (Kali Funston) to a teen with big dreams. Her mom, Arlette (Helene Cardona), was a talented fashion designer who gave up her dreams to raise her daughter. They struggled financially for most of Caralique's early life, and when her mom loses her job, they must "go on an adventure," as Arlette calls their search for a home. At one of her mom's unsuccessful job interviews, Caralique gives the interviewer a drawing she made. This drawing is the key to Caralique's success, but she faces many obstacles before she gets there.
Caralique's plot is fun and engaging, with many emotional points as well. The story has a perfect amount of happy, uplifting parts to balance the sadder moments. The main characters are determined and sweet, creating great role models and an inspirational storyline. However, some events in the film are slightly unrealistic. For example, even with Caralique's impressive artistic abilities, it is doubtful that a job interviewer would take a second glance at a drawing given to them by an eight-year-old. While this makes the film a bit less realistic and relatable, it does boost the optimistic mood and themes of the film. The actors that portray Caralique and Arlette add so much to the film with not only the raw emotion through their voices and facial expressions, but their chemistry as scene partners. Isabella Blake-Thomas and Helene Cardona truly appear as mother and daughter on screen. Their relationship is vital to the development of the story and the emphasis on the theme -- and the actors do not disappoint. In addition to the mother-daughter relationship, fashion design is a primary focus of Caralique. Since both main characters are so talented in fashion design it's important that the dresses, fabrics and designs reflect these qualities. They certainly live up to this expectation. There are original designs, vibrant colors, unique ideas and matching hair and makeup for each one. The screen is so pleasant to look at all the time with these beautiful costumes and props.
The theme of Caralique is to never give up on your dream, even if it seems like everything is against you. Both Caralique and Arlette must overcome so many obstacles to achieve their goals. This inspirational message is a big part of Caralique, and is developed throughout the film.
I give Caralique 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can watch Caralique on VOD and DVD/Blu-ray beginning November 21, 2023. By Kyla C., KIDS FIRST!
