35. THE HOLY GIRL
 
Argentina
dir. Lucrecia Martel
world premiere 2004
U.S. release 2005
 

 
Because the final shot confirms Martel's mastery of titillating endings, but further viewings may be needed to appreciate how dextrously she plots the centripetal forces that converge around that pool. She assiduously avoids anything like an arrogant or moralizing tone, and despite its highbrow polish, the film suggests that she's having a grand time telling this story.