Magical Realism: Films That Inspired Screenplay ‘Querida’

Few art movements have shaped the literary and visual arts in the last century more than Magical Realism. Within the genre, characters are grounded in the real world where fantastical elements are considered normal. Magical realism explores how these preternatural elements impact the lives of its characters – the stories often include allegory, social commentary, and explore moral and spiritual dilemmas.

Defined by German art critic Franz Roh in 1925, the movement is often associated with Latin American culture. Recognizable figures of Magical Realism include authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isabel Allende, painter Frida Kahlo, and filmmakers Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro González Iñárritu. 

Querida, a feature screenplay by Kiki Daza, is a magical realism drama that interweaves a young girl’s journey through a mystical shadow realm with her family’s struggle to overcome past traumas. The story explores themes of self-doubt, family reconciliation, and the power of determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

Logline: Trapped between life and death in a surreal desert purgatory, a young girl races against time to escape the clutches of a shadow beast, forcing her estranged family to confront their painful past and fight for her survival.

During the pandemic, I lost five members of my family, including my father. As I reconciled my grief, Querida came fully formed to me in a dream. This was a first for me. 

The force of the story was so strong that it inspired me to shift my focus from advertising and marketing to narrative filmmaking, a long-held secret dream of mine since childhood. Life is too short, I reasoned. Let me live as boldly as my heroes – Kahlo and del Toro. 

Writing my first feature, in two languages no less, was a daunting task. With the help of courses at Sundance, I drafted numerous outlines, created lookbooks, and developed a screenplay that I’m now finalizing for submission to screenwriting contests. 

Here is a list of Magical Realism films that have helped shape my story: 

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) 

In the Falangist Spain of 1944, the bookish young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Faced with both her hot-tempered father’s fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 

When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.

The Lovely Bones (2009)

Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family – and her killer – from purgatory. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.

Spirited Away (2001) 

During her family’s move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts. 

Life of Pi (2012)

A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

The solitary life of an artificial man – who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands – is upended when he is taken in by a suburban family.

Amélie (2001)

Despite being caught in her imaginative world, Amelie, a young waitress, decides to help people find happiness. Her quest to spread joy leads her on a journey where she finds true love.

Field of Dreams (1989)

Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can’t ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.

The Fountain (2006) 

As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi.

Black Swan (2010)

Nina is a talented but unstable ballerina on the verge of stardom. Pushed to the breaking point by her artistic director and a seductive rival, Nina’s grip on reality slips, plunging her into a waking nightmare.

The Green Mile (1999)

A tale set on death row, where gentle giant John Coffey possesses the mysterious power to heal people’s ailments. When the lead guard, Paul Edgecombe, recognizes John’s gift, he tries to help stave off the condemned man’s execution.

Donnie Darko (2001)

After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.

The Shape of Water (2017)

At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.

The Red Shoes (1948)

A young ballet dancer is torn between the man she loves and her pursuit to become a prima ballerina.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes. 

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) 

An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

The NeverEnding Story (1984)

A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.