Becoming Vera

Becoming Vera is a quietly powerful debut that tells the story of an 18-year-old pianist navigating ambition, betrayal, and self-worth in Miami's Latin jazz scene. At the center of it all is Raquel Lebish, whose performance as Vera is subtle, honest, and deeply affecting. She doesn't chase big emotions instead, she inhabits the caracter with restraint and truth, allowing the audience to feel Vera's inner world without ever overstating it.

What elevates the film even further is how it treats music, not as background but as narrative. The piano becomes Vera's truest form of expression. Whether she's nervously playing for the first time at the studio or reclaiming her voice after being exploited, each note carries weight. The performances are technically convincing, emotionally rich, and perfectly paced. You don't just hear the music, you understand what it means to her.

Director Sergio Vizuete shows remarkable control in his first feature, letting Vera's journey unfold with patience and intention. Becoming Vera doesn't try to impress with flash. Instead, it moves you with sincerity, craft, and a lead performance that announces Raquel Lebish as someone to watch.

This film is a true gem of personal triumph, following the life of a young woman who grew up in the foster care system. Although her past remains a mystery, her innate talent for the piano becomes both her refuge and her greatest source of hope. Despite not having access to formal musical education, she teaches herself to play, seizing every opportunity that comes her way.

The story takes us on her journey from the uncertainty of aging out of the protection system, to finding her place in the world through her gift. Surrounded by other young people facing similar challenges, she stands out through her determination and dreams, in stark contrast to the resignation of some of her peers.

It's a story that touches the heart, showing how talent and perseverance can carve out a path even in the harshest circumstances. A film that leaves your soul filled with hope and admiration for the strength of human resilience.

Saw this movie recently and was pleasantly surprised! Great performance from Raquel Lebish as Vera- really felt for her in that final scene with Hector (Gabriel Diehl). Also really enjoyed the scenes with Ariel (Phillip Andre Botello). Wish there was a little more time dedicated to the story with Vera, Jake (Nicolas Pozo), and Daniel (Brandon Williams) as they set up a fun dynamic with the three of them. It was interesting to get some insight into the foster care system and what it means to age out. I also would have liked to see more time dedicated to the dynamic between Vera and Ellen (Mikaela Monet) leading up to the audition. Loved the original music, loved seeing a Miami story filmed on location; beautiful shots of downtown at night. Glad I watched it!

I had the chance to watch Becoming Vera at the Miami Film Festival, and it was truly one of the standout films for me. Director Sergio Vizuete crafts an authentic and deeply personal story, centered around a young woman striving to find her place in the world while overcoming major life transitions.

Raquel Lebish delivers a captivating performance, bringing both vulnerability and strength to her role. She carries the emotional weight of the film effortlessly, making the character's journey feel incredibly real and relatable. The supporting cast also shines, enriching the film's emotional layers.

The cinematography captures Miami's vibrant but sometimes harsh realities with a beautiful, understated style, and the jazz-infused soundtrack adds depth to the storytelling.

While the film explores familiar themes of ambition, trust, and independence, Becoming Vera avoids clichés by focusing on emotional truth and authentic character development. It's a moving, heartfelt reminder that carving your own path is a powerful act of resilience.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates intimate, character-driven storytelling.

Becoming Vera is a deeply moving and quietly powerful film that shines a light on a subject thats often overlooked - the experience of aging out of the foster care system. With sensitivity and authenticity, the movie tells the story of a young woman navigating life on her own after aging out of foster care, and it does so without falling into sentimentality or clichés.

The film's storytelling is intimate and grounded, allowing us to witness the quiet strength that emerges as Vera learns to define her future on her own terms. It's Impossible not to root for her.

Watching this in the theater I noticed the performances, by the lead actress, are deeply affecting. There's a raw vulnerability in her portrayal that gives weight to the smallest moments, from a silent glance to a difficult conversation. The cinematography and direction mirror the film's emotional tone beautifully, giving it some realism that drew the theater in even more.