The opening shots of Gaia show us a cold, dark desert night. Along a flat horizon, we see the faintly perceptible shadows of cacti and a mysterious form, barely moving. Soon that form becomes larger and upright, and a young woman emerges like a creature from the sea, heading unsteadily toward the dawn.
She doesn't make it very far. In the full light of morning, the young woman, Em, is found by a group of Native Americans. Asking no questions, they take her to the home that one of their members, Ed (Ed Mendoza), shares with his granddaughter Jerica (Jerica Fraijo) on a Native American reservation in Southern Arizona, feeding Em and letting her sleep. When she comes out of the house a few days later, she asks if she can stay with them awhile. They say yes, and thus begins a story of survival, grief and recovery.
During her first few days on the reserve, Em is still a woman near death. Thin, twitchy and empty, she initially finds pleasure and solace with the young Jerica. As the days pass, she grows healthier in body and mind, but events from her past that brought her to this point start to claim her spirit again. She is embraced by the community of the reservation, however, and this plays a vital role in exorcising her demons.
This first feature from accomplished cinematographer Jason Lehel must be experienced on its own terms. The film is as authentic in its depictions of the less savoury aspects of Em's past as it is in its portrayal of her fight for inner peace. As Em, Emily Lape gives us everything she has. With little self-consciousness in front of the camera, she allows the rawest of emotions full play on her expressive face and body. The film takes its time, and each frame is full of information and feeling, slowly enveloping the viewer until one is fully claimed and riveted, walking every step with Em, all the way home.
Jane Schoettle
Jason Lehel has worked extensively as a cinematographer on advertisements, music videos and films, including the Academy Award®-nominated short film
The Child Eater (89). He is the founder of the production companies Open Eye Productions, which was established in London in 1996, and W.A.I.F., which opened in Los Angeles in 2007. He has directed the short films
Boiling Point (93),
Eating Bitter (96) and
Nobody's Hero (05).
Gaia (09) is his first feature film.