by Rosa Parra.
This year’s Sundance didn’t disappoint with showing Latino-created and/or -led films. Since two of the three films I discuss below were unavailable online, I decided it’d be best to attend the festival in person to watch them on the big screen as they were meant to be seen. Here are my thoughts on these films.
Freaky Tales, features Pedro Pascal.
Divided into four chapters, “Freaky Tales” takes place in Oakland, California, in 1987. It focuses on four interconnected stories set on the same night. But in general, the film follows a group of friends who regularly attend punk rock gigs but are often attacked by nazis: a pair of friends who participate in a hip-hop battle for respectability, a henchman who is given an opportunity for redemption, and a famous basketball player seeking revenge. There is also a mysterious force that has somehow reached these four “underdogs” to help them achieve their goals.
The cast is incredibly talented and brings their unique take to their respective chapter. The film blends genres that fall into a B-level action film with an ‘80s feel. Chapter 1 has a documentary look with its aspect ratio and granular color palate. The other three chapters feel more modern with their approach. All four stories are well-executed, well-written, and well-acted, so I don’t have a favorite one. Killing nazis has never looked cooler and the action sequences are extraordinary. Additionally, there are many film references and a cameo from an unexpected legendary actor.
“Freaky Tales” is a fun, action-packed, unexpected, hilarious homage to the Bay Area. With a well-rounded talented cast and a fantastic soundtrack, this film has the potential to become a cult classic.
4.5/5
Your Monster, stars Melissa Barrera.
Melissa Barrera embodies the horror, the rom-com, and the musical genre perfectly. It is no wonder why the titular role of Laura Franco went to her. The film opens with Laura being in a dark place in her life. Her health isn’t the best and her heart is broken after her boyfriend ends their relationship. One day, she heard loud noises on the second floor. In her closet, she finds a monster, who enters her life to teach her some valuable lessons.
The script does a superb job navigating the comedic moments with the dramatic, serious ones sprinkled with the perfect dose of gory horror movie elements and musical numbers. It sounds like all these movie genres wouldn’t work together, but they do. Her chemistry with the monster was fantastic. Barrera’s versatility is undeniable as she effortlessly sings, dances, and puts forward her emotional range.
“Your Monster” succeeds in blending comedy with horror and rom-com with musical elements wonderfully. It left me wanting more films like this.
4.5/5
In The Summers, featuresa Sasha Calle and Lìo Mehiel, is a Sundance 2024 Jury Prize Winner.
“In the Summers” tells the story of a relationship between a father and his daughters and the layers of humanity that come with parenting. It’s told in four parts. The first part follows the very young Violeta and Eva (like ages 8-10). The second and third part follows them in their teenage years, in contrast to the fourth part which covers their early adulthood years.
This pair of sisters must grow up in a fractured family. During the summers, they visit their father, Vicente, in New Mexico. In his film debut, René Pérez Joglar (professionally known as Residente) delivers an emotionally complex performance as the troubled yet loving father. The girls who play the young sisters are memorable, while Sasha Calle and Lio Mehiel as young adults Eva and Violeta respectively, give quiet yet impactful performances.
“In the Summers” beautifully depicts how people change, learn and grow throughout multiple stages of their lives while also depicting the reality many Latino families experience. This is a character-driven narrative that is allowed to breathe, thanks to its subtle and silent moments.
4/5
Film Critic, Rosa Parra, also contributes to The Daily Chela and Rotten Tomatoes. You can also follow her on her TWITTER.