Familia

Once a month Mexican landowner and olive farmer Leo surrounds himself with his family: three daughters, two sons-in-law (but on this occasion only one of them), the unmarried yet heavily pregnant sister's girlfriend and his own current girlfriend. He also has three grandchildren plus a laatlammetjie Down syndrome son Benjamin (or Benny). His wife, an author, passed away six years ago. Ever present too are his housekeeper and a char.

On this specific occasion he has an important announcement. So do some of his daughters... Familia - directed and co-written by Rodrigo García who in the past has directed among others the television series Six Feet Under, episodes of Bull and for the big screen Albert Nobbs with Glenn Close - has no action, no roller coaster speed. It is a quiet film about conversations, whether all together at the long table in the olive grove, or in smaller groups. It's a film about a family, respect, disagreements. Disappointments, success, laughter and above all love.

Wonderful characters and acting from the large ensemble, a beautiful setting. Just lovely.

What I liked most about Mexican films is that its dedication to curate such interesting and diversified character arcs for the characters in the film. The chemistry between the actors in this family drama was exceptional. Neither one was sabotaging the others and they indeed felt like they were just one big family. I also loved how dynamic and modern the family was: there was a lesbian one and an intellectually-challenged one. This was, I think, what has driven the director to appeal to the audience by not being too traditional and at the same time remaining grounded to the fundamental idea of being a family.

This movie is an essay on misandry; the hatred of men and boys. Nothing original, feels like a cheap read on Judith Butler and a portrait of what Hollywood calls "family" in a "Mexican" upper class farm house setting. You will find the usual suspects from the mexican big screen and a few tokens. You can find in this movie the staple language found in American cinema and academic critical studies courses that have made its way onto the mainstream. The attempt to make this movie a portrait a what a modern family looks like fails in every turn. The director grabs American stereotypes and try to mold them in to a Mexican context with little success.

Ever experienced a dilemma where you can't stay away from where you were born and grew up but you also feel you have to move forward because that place is not good enough for your potential? Ever been the one who sees each and every one of the little birds leave the nest behind? If yes, you will find something that belongs to you in the movie.

The cinematography is so skillfully set that at some point you feel you are also sitting at the table and getting dizzy from the wine you drink. Besides, the acting in general is so flawless that you feel sorry when they all get emotional upon the news of the offer.