Restoration

A young woman sets out to restore a decaying Mexico City mansion and uncovers dark secrets in the provocative latest from Barrera (The Forgery). It’s 2015 when graduate architecture student Jasmina accompanies her neglectful boyfriend, Zuri Vargas, a photographer, to the neocolonial mansion, which belonged to his recently deceased uncle, Eligio, a famous photographer. She’s captivated by the old house and Eligio’s personal affects, and she accepts Zuri’s commission to restore the mansion, which she sees as a last-ditch chance to save their crumbling relationship. Before Zuri departs, Jasmina discovers a trove of disturbing items, including graphic photographs of dismembered women, and she becomes increasingly anxious, especially after Zuri snatches them from her and forbids her from entering Eligio’s locked darkroom. Upon Zuri’s return, he coerces Jasmina into taking part in a photo shoot that leaves her frightened and speechless. A parallel narrative from the perspective of Eligio’s wife portrays his emotional abuse and manipulation and illuminates the darkroom’s secrets. Barerra adds depth to the gothic tropes with insights on the Vargas family’s legacy of misogyny and clever references to Mexican literature and French folklore. Readers won’t be able to turn away from this macabre tale. (Aug.)