Aguadilla

This film features outstanding performances, plot turns up the wazoo, tropical scenery, and laugh out loud moments. Although the underlying issues of migration paint a vivid backdrop, the essence of this story lies in human emotion.

The director says he wrote the female lead role with Alina Robert in mind. She is transformative, delivering a powerful study of a woman dealing with conflicting emotions, pulled in many directions. Lou Diamond Phillips brings craft and subtlety to his role while newcomer Rene Moran provides an impressive dynamic range.

It's great to see a movie where both the plot and the acting are worthy of each other. Kudos.