Romería review – Carla Simón’s gripping pilgrimage tackles Aids, parents and the legacy of secrets

In *Romería*, Carla Simón pensivelyweaves her family’s complex legacy into a poignant narrative, exploring the impact of decades of unspoken pain. Marina, a young woman driven by curiosity and determination, ventures to Vigo to uncover ties to her now-fading father, whose life was marred by AIDS. Her journey is fraught with resistance from a deeply wounded family that clings to outdated narratives about their estranged son. The film expertly balances personal storytelling with broader reflections on how past traumas shape the present, all while Marina’s fiery determination stirs fresh threads of identity and belonging.