Our Lady Who Burns: A Mythic Reflection on Transformation

Alice dos Reis’s Our Lady Who Burns is a stunning eight-minute short film that blurs the boundaries between history, myth, and speculative fiction. Set on a mountain in Portugal, the film weaves together past and present, showing how belief systems evolve over time. Saints transform into aliens, and layers of narrative unfold like geological strata, reminding us of the fluidity of storytelling and its ability to shape our understanding of the world. For me, Our Lady Who Burns was an enchanting and thought-provoking meditation on the intersections of myth and modernity.

Myth and Modernity Intertwined

From its opening scene, Our Lady Who Burns captivates with its poetic visual storytelling. The film’s narrative is set against the rugged beauty of a Portuguese mountain, a landscape that seems to hold centuries of stories within its soil and rocks. This setting becomes a character in itself, serving as a living archive of belief systems that have transformed over time.

The film’s central theme—the transformation of saints into aliens—is both playful and profound. It speaks to the ways in which myths adapt to reflect changing cultural and societal contexts. This reminded me of Avant Seriana Before Seriana, another film that used landscapes to explore the intersections of history and imagination. Both works challenge viewers to see places not just as physical spaces, but as vessels of memory and meaning.

The Role of Transformation in Storytelling

One of the most compelling aspects of Our Lady Who Burns is its exploration of transformation. By reimagining saints as aliens, dos Reis invites viewers to consider how belief systems evolve in response to shifting cultural and historical contexts. This transformation isn’t presented as a loss but as a natural progression, a reminder that stories are living entities that grow and change alongside the people who tell them.

For me, this theme was particularly resonant. It reminded me of the ways in which myths and legends often serve as a mirror for societal fears, hopes, and values. The film suggests that while the details of these stories may change, their core function—to help us make sense of the world—remains constant.

Cinematic Techniques That Enchant

Dos Reis’s use of cinematography and sound design adds depth and texture to the narrative. The film’s visuals are both stark and ethereal, with the mountain setting providing a timeless backdrop for the story’s exploration of transformation. The use of light and shadow, in particular, creates an atmosphere that feels both otherworldly and grounded in reality.

The sound design further enhances this effect. The whispers of the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the distant hum of an alien presence create an auditory experience that is as captivating as the visuals. Together, these elements draw viewers into a world where the boundaries between myth and modernity blur, making the story feel both timeless and immediate.

A Reflection on Cultural Fluidity

At its heart, Our Lady Who Burns is a reflection on cultural fluidity. The film highlights the ways in which belief systems are not static but dynamic, constantly evolving to reflect the changing needs and perspectives of the communities that hold them. This theme felt particularly relevant in today’s world, where globalization and technological advancements are reshaping how we understand and relate to one another.

This reminded me of The Flesh of Language, which also explored the intersections of memory, materiality, and storytelling. Both films challenge viewers to think critically about the stories we inherit and the ways in which we reinterpret them to suit our present needs.

Saints, Aliens, and the Power of Symbols

The transformation of saints into aliens is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which symbols can shift meaning over time. In Our Lady Who Burns, this transformation is not depicted as a loss of faith but as a reinterpretation of it. The film suggests that saints and aliens, though seemingly disparate, serve a similar function: they embody the unknown and help us navigate the mysteries of existence.

This theme reminded me of the concept of “palimpsest,” where layers of writing or imagery are superimposed on one another, creating a rich tapestry of meaning. In many ways, Our Lady Who Burns feels like a cinematic palimpsest, where each layer of belief and narrative builds upon the ones that came before.

Why Our Lady Who Burns Is a Must-Watch

For me, Our Lady Who Burns was more than just a film—it was an experience. Its poetic narrative, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes create a work that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. It’s a film that invites viewers to reflect on the stories they hold dear and consider how those stories have evolved over time.

If you were captivated by the layered storytelling of Avant Seriana Before Seriana or inspired by the meditative tone of The Flesh of Language, Our Lady Who Burns will resonate deeply. It’s a film that redefines the boundaries of myth and modernity, leaving a lasting impression.