“Salve Maria”, interview with director Mar Coll

While Salve Maria is an adaptation of a novel, Mar Coll reveals that her personal experiences as a mother deeply influenced the film.  Salve Maria offers an honest portrayal of the loneliness and fear that can accompany new motherhood but also leaves room for hope. “We wanted to communicate emotions that have been in our experience,” she adds, noting that the ambivalence of motherhood—its mix of good feelings, love, and attachment alongside darker emotions—was a central theme in the film.

The Power of Genre

Coll chose the psychological thriller genre to tell Maria’s story, recognizing its perfect fit for the visceral, irrational journey of early motherhood. “Motherhood at the beginning has all this irrational journey for the mother… it’s so visceral and physical,” she explains. The genre allowed Coll to explore the intense physicality of pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the overwhelming fear and guilt that can arise.

The Role of Setting and Atmosphere

Salve Maria‘s setting plays a crucial role in conveying Maria’s emotional state. The claustrophobic, dark house where much of the film takes place symbolizes her sense of entrapment and isolation. “The characters feel trapped in this place that is small,” Mar Coll explains, noting that they even made adjustments to the set to enhance this feeling, such as building additional walls and reducing the size of windows. As the story progresses, the open landscapes reflect Maria’s internal struggle as she confronts her darker impulses, moving towards a more primal connection with nature.

The Decision to Shoot in 35mm

 Mar Coll opted to shoot Salve Maria on 35mm film to create a delicate, sensitive, and visually stunning narrative. This choice enhances the film’s immersive quality, helping viewers empathize with a character who struggles with unsettling emotions. “I wanted the film to be moving, delicate, and sensitive, and also beautiful,” she explains.

What Audiences Can Expect

Coll hopes that Salve Maria will be an immersive experience for viewers, drawing them into the emotional journey of its protagonist. “At first, I don’t want them to think—just to get into the film,” she says, emphasizing the importance of the emotional experience. She acknowledges that the film’s ending is controversial and may provoke debate, particularly around societal expectations of motherhood and what is considered “normal.” “The ending is a little bit scandalous because of what is normal and what is not,” Mar Coll remarks, noting that the film is already sparking conversations about these themes. Ultimately, she hopes the film will inspire discussions that challenge conventional perceptions of motherhood and its complexities.