by Nathan Southern
synopsis
Life changes dramatically for a young Polish housewife and mother with the arrival of an unexpected neighbor in Aria Diva, Agnieszka Smoczynska's short-subject film about inchoate lesbian yearnings. On the surface, Basia claims the perfect life, with a loving, supportive husband and wonderful children. Yet difficult and uncomfortable erotic desires for other women linger just out of sight - feelings brought to the surface when an opera diva moves into an adjacent apartment and Basia falls prey to the lilting, seductive rhythms of the woman's voice. In time, a relationship blossoms between the ladies, certain to fall prey to the disapproval and scorn of nearly everyone.
