Funny Hayek in dark comedy 'Beatriz at Dinner'

Salma Hayek has a funny side and she brings it out once at Sundance. The Oscar-nominated actress is the leading star of “Beatriz at Dinner,” a dark comedic drama world premiering at Sundance. A MIRACLE WORKER Hayek plays working-class holistic therapist Beatriz, whose sensitive touch with the terminally ill throws her into the world of the rich. After a visit to a young cancer client, the healer’s car breaks down and is invited to stay for dinner. But this is not an ordinary meal but one to celebrate a business deal, involving a mysterious guests she might know from somewhere else. A have-not breaking bread with the have-muches, the un-inhibited Beatriz brings us topics that points to the contrast between social classes and questions the morality of some business deals.

THE CAST

Hayek’s co-stars are the Oscar-nominated actor John Lithgow, David Warshofsky, Connie Britton, and Chloë Sevigny. “Breatriz at Dinner” is directed by Miguel Arteta, the acclaimed Puerto Rican whose film “Chuck & Buck” competed at Sundance in 2000. That drama won him an Independent Spirit Award, earned about five other prizes and received half a dozen additional nominations. Arteta’s directorial credits include “Star Maps” starring Douglas Spain and “The Good Girl” starring Jennifer Aniston, which also premiered at Sundance. –CESAR ARREDONDO