The March lineup features, among many more popular titles, two small gems: “Simón”, the debut feature by Venezuelan Diego Vicentini, and “Tótem”, by Mexican director Lila Avilés.
Among other news for March, two valuable Latin American films appeared on Netflix: the energetic “Simón”, made by Venezuelans living in the US, and the bittersweet “Tótem”, by a director who should be taken into account: Lila Avilés. Both works arrive loaded with recognition, and go for more. “Tótem”, for example, made the shortlist of Oscar candidates for best international film, that is, of a total of 92 that were presented, it was among the 15 prefinalists.
Filmed in Miami, “Simón”, by newcomer Diego Vicentini, exposes the drama of a young man who poorly processes an asylum request while struggling with memories of prison and the burden of conscience of having abandoned his loved ones, after leading them to sacrifice with the dream of defeating the regime. He denounces the cruelty of the guards who have fun at the expense of the prisoners, and at the same time makes a good critique of the suicidal idealism of so many opponents.
The dramatic devices are somewhat basic, but effective. Revealing, the prison chief who rejects the use of the term “dictatorship” and says, sincerely and clearly, “This is a business.” Fun fact: against all odds, the film managed to premiere in Venezuela, without prohibitions and with a large audience.
“Tótem”, by Lila Avilés, strikes other chords. A girl goes with her mother to her grandfather’s house, where her aunts are preparing a birthday party. Whoever complies is the girl’s father. We will soon understand that the man was transferred there because he is seriously ill, a victim of the same illness that his mother had, but this is something that is barely said. The elders keep discretion.
The film itself is handled with meanings, with halftones, following the controlled afflictions of the family, the search for alternative cures, the arrival of the guests, and the holy patience of the sick man, who endures the tributes with a smile of meekness and sorrow. . Avilés has a very good eye for the details and the character of each character, makes everyone shine, even those who only have a small part, moves the camera prudently, and surrounds everything with tenderness and wisdom. There aren’t many people like that, that’s why we say it’s a good idea to take them into account.
“Simon” (USA, 2023) ; Dir.: Diego Vicentini; Int.: Christian McGaffney, Jana Nawartschi, Carlos Guerrero.
“Totem” (Mexico-France-Denmark, 2023); Dir.: Lila Avilés; Int.: Naima Senties, Montserrat Marañón, Mateo García.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
