7/10
A docu-drama about life in the shadows
6 December 2021
A young Mexican finds himself a boyfriend, but when his family finds out, he is denied access to his young son, given his work of low status and pay. He decides to find success as a chef by crossing illegally to the U. S. Decades later, he realizes that all his success may not reunite him with his son.

This is based on a real story, directed by a documentary filmmaker. So I was surprised that it was given a very non-linear treatment. Starting in approximately "present day", it is told in multiple interwoven flashbacks. There is the child, the young man in Mexico and U. S., scenes from his rise in the U,S., and "today". Switching back and forth, it was fairly demanding for the viewer to keep track of when the event was. For a non-Spanish-speaking audience, this was in addition to keeping up with the subtitles.

I expect some viewers will see this thru a political lens. Does an illegal who succeeds deserve some form of permanent residency, even if it is not a path to citizenship?
5 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed