A Child of My Own, directed by Maite Alberdi, tells the true story of Alejandra (Ale), who longs for a child amid societal pressures and personal tragedy. The film, presented as a docudrama, juxtaposes vivid visuals and dramatizations, showcasing Ale’s struggle after her third miscarriage. Filmed in striking pastels and pink tones, it captures her emotional turmoil in a brutal world that underscores fertility issues, displaying scenes in waiting rooms filled with hopeful, expectant mothers.
When Ale encounters Mayra, a pregnant woman who is ambivalent about her pregnancy, she proposes a scheme to take the baby and pretend to be pregnant herself—however, the real Mayra later disputes this account, alleging Ale kidnapped her newborn. This shocking incident led to Ale’s imprisonment, revealing the complexity of her narrative and the societal devastation caused by her perceived failures as a woman.
Alberdi’s prior works, like The Mole Agent and The Eternal Memory, explore themes of care, vulnerability, and unreliable narratives. In A Child of My Own, she combines interviews, home videos, and dramatized segments to depict Ale’s deception, ultimately focusing on the emotional ramifications that led her to such desperate actions.
While the film primarily centers on Ale—played by Ana Celeste—it risks overshadowing Mayra’s experience, aiming instead to provide insight into Ale’s psychology and the external pressures shaping her decisions. As Ale prepares for release from prison, she contemplates her desires, balancing societal expectations with her newfound reality. The film opens in UK cinemas on August 7 and streams on Netflix UK starting August 13.
