Manuela Martelli’s ‘El deshielo’ Sparks Polarized Reaction at Cannes 2026
The return of director Manuela Martelli to the Cannes Film Festival has proven to be a divisive affair, as her latest feature, “El deshielo” (The Meltdown), has left critics and audiences deeply split.
Premiering within the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, the film initially appeared to be a triumph. Reports indicate that Martelli’s work was met with a standing ovation and widespread applause from the crowd, signaling a strong emotional connection with the festival audience.
However, the critical response has been far less uniform. Despite the enthusiastic reception from the theater, some reviews have been described as mixed and even “acidic,” suggesting a sharp disconnect between the public’s reaction and the professional critics’ assessments.
This applauded return to Cannes highlights the volatile nature of festival premieres, where a standing ovation does not always guarantee critical consensus. The contrasting reactions underscore the challenging reception often faced by auteur-driven cinema in a high-pressure environment.
