Indie-mation: Coming to Terms with Becoming Elderly with ‘Wrinkles’

Wrinkles (Arrugas) is a film by Spanish animator and director Ignacio Ferreras (who worked on 2007’s Oscar nominated The Illusionist as an animator) that tells the story of a former bank manager named Emilio, who upon arriving at his new retirement home, befriends Miguel, which according to one of the other women living at the retirement home, means Emilio definitely won’t die of boredom. This sets the stage for a new, amusing, somewhat dark, thought provoking perspective on coming to terms with becoming elderly.

The official synopsis on iTunes reads:

Martin Sheen (The West Wing, The Departed), Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises, Weeds), and George Coe (Funny People, Archer) lead a cast of eccentric characters who rebel against authority in this wonderfully animated and poignant comedy for adults. The story opens with former bank manager Emilio being dispatched to a retirement home by his family. His new roommate is a wily wheeler-dealer named Miguel, who cheerfully swindles small amounts of cash from the more befuddled residents but is also full of handy insider tips that are crucial to survival. Like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in an old folks home, we are introduced to daily pill regimens, electric gates, and nighttime joyrides, as the reality of Emilio’s future life begins to sink in. 

If it’s not obvious from the trailer, this film looks like it’s going to be an riot interesting dark comedy perspective on the supposed golden years. Certified 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with passionate reviews across the board, this film is one you’re not going to want to miss. The film will open officially in New York City at the IFC Cinema, and at O Cinema in Maimi on July 4th. But for those of you who can’t get on a plane to either NYC or Miami in time, you can enjoy Wrinkles on iTunes where it is available for pre-order now and will be released for download and on DVD on July 15th. Note: A portion of the proceeds from digital sales will be going to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Originally produced in Spanish in 2011 and titled Arrugas, Wrinkles is based on a Paco Roca‘s graphic novel, which GKIDS (who most recently announced that they will be distributing Studio Ghibli’s The Tale of Princess Kaguya), is handling the distribution for the film.

If you are super excited about this film, keep an eye on our Rotoscopers Twitter account, as we will be giving away one free digital download of the film on July 15th (U.S. only…sorry!).

What do you think the reaction of audiences across the country will be? Will you try to see the film in NYC, Miami or on DVD/Download?