Martin Boulocq crafts a vastly interesting and powerful look at a man at crossroads with himself, his family, and the changing landscape of his country.
8/10
It is always a great honor to participate as part of the press for a film festival. As you have seen we have been on quite the kick covering Sundance early in the year and wrapping up our coverage of the 38th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. Well, from June 8th to the 19th we are covering Tribeca Film Festival. Of course, I am honored and very happy to be able to check out all these films that are playing virtually. Now, let’s get into the first film that I had the chance to watch, and stay tuned for all the coverage to come from Tribeca on the site!
If you know me you know that I love international cinema, so when I was contacted to look at Martin Boulocq’s The Visitor it was a no-brainer that I was going to watch this film. The picture is director Martin Boulocq’s fourth feature, written by him and Rodrigo Hasbún. The film’s exquisite cinematography is crafted by Germán Nocella. The movie stars newcomer Enrique Aráoz, César Troncoso (The Pope’s Toilet), Mirella Pascual (Whisky), Svet Ailyn Mena, Romel Vargas, and Teresa Gutiérrez. In The Visitor, we follow the journey of ex-convict Humberto (Enrique Aráoz) who returns home after finishing his jail sentence. Humberto returns home and tries to reconnect with his estranged daughter but is met with hostility and resistance by his father-in-law who runs a major evangelical church in his town. The Visitor examines the environment of Bolivia that is under influence by the evangelical church’s presence of neocolonial practices.
Martin Boulocq crafts the film with power and excellence from a superb script. Enrique Aráoz’s commanding performance arrests the viewer’s attention and provides a stellar execution of his role of Humberto. The film is masterfully crafted through its precise visual language through the fluid use of wide and close-up shots that allow for scenes to breathe. The thematic characteristics of the film provide interesting commentary on the rising power of evangelicalism and the way it preys on the hearts of vulnerable people. The film does not stop there as it closely examines familial dynamics and the class divide in Bolivia. The thematic language is examined with a decisive approach that allows the film to flow well and present its message clearly. The film is a bit rocky with its pace where the first half does not work as much as the second, but it makes it up with a patient third act. However, even with its problems the film is powerful and is one to look out for if it ever makes its way out to the public. This is definitely a high recommendation, especially for those who are interested in the growing landscape of Latin America and its social climate.
Watch The Visitor at the Tribeca Film Festival by visiting their website and buying a ticket for its remaining screenings.
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