This Film is a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas.

by Cyn

“Las Tres Sisters” is an upcoming indie film directed by Mar Novo and starring Marta Méndez Cross (who is also one of the writers), Valeria Maldonado, Virginia Novello, and Cristo Fernández.

It tells the story of three Mexican-American sisters—Maria, Lucia, and Sofia—whose fractured relationship is tested when they reunite at the request of the eldest sister, Maria, for a road trip through Mexico. A road trip… with a twist. Unbeknownst to her sisters, Maria is facing a terminal illness and wants to take the pilgrimage of the Virgin of Talpa (the same journey their grandmother took with her sisters decades before) to ask for a miracle.

Because Lucia and Sofia are unaware of Maria’s secret, the journey stirs up long-held resentments between them, which become apparent early on. The reason for their estrangement is initially unclear but is gradually revealed as they travel together, encountering various adventures and people along the way. One such person is a mysterious local named Kin, played by Cristo Fernández, who becomes integral to the continuation of their pilgrimage.

Equal parts comedy and family drama, “Las Tres Sisters” delivers several touching moments interwoven with flashes of humor. I laughed out loud more than once during the lighthearted scenes of comedy and situational humor, and I teared up more than once during the unexpectedly sentimental interactions that arose throughout their journey.

While there was much to enjoy about this movie—particularly the seamless transitions between English and Spanish, which reflected the characters’ dual cultural identity (something the title itself effectively conveys), and the deeper themes explored, such as loss, substance abuse, and fractured relationships—it isn’t without its flaws.

“Las Tres Sisters” marks Mar Novo’s debut as a feature-length filmmaker, and in some ways, it shows. While certain moments flow well, with smooth scene transitions, others feel fragmented and disjointed, as though key interconnecting moments are missing. Additionally, some conversations and interactions between the sisters feel exaggerated and poorly executed, seemingly inserted to force humor or move the plot in a particular direction. Examples include a lewd conversation between the sisters about their sex lives, the youngest sister’s near-constant libido on display, and a contrived scene in which multiple pregnancy tests are discovered in one of the sister’s purses.

Las Tres Sisters stars from left to right, Virginia Novello, Marta Méndez Cross, and Valeria Maldonado.

Despite these shortcomings, they weren’t enough to diminish my overall enjoyment of “Las Tres Sisters.” It’s a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate character-driven dramas (with a touch of comedy) and stories rooted in Mexican family culture.

Rating: 3 out of 5.