La Caja;The Box (2021/Human Drama/ Mubi )
Director – Lorenzo Vigas
Cast – Hatzin Navarrete, Hernan Mendoza
The story revolves around a teenager Hatzin, who travels to North Mexico to collect his father’s remains but on the way back ,spots a man who resembles his father’s pic . Determined that the man was his father, despite a strong rebuttal , Hatzin literally latches himself to the man, Mario. Unable to convince Hatzin to return back, Mario ultimately relents and lets him stay ,eventually developing a liking to him.Mario is a labour recruiter. Hatzin, an intelligent boy, quickly picks up the ropes and becomes an asset to Mario in his business.
It is a very captivating human story set in harsh industrial landscapes ,home to factories employing migrant labour.
In his adoration for Mario ,we see the young teenager’s intense craving for a father figure such, that he leaves his grandmother behind ,to be with Mario.His misconception also left me left me wondering as to how long had it been since he last saw his father, who was also probably a migrant labourer .
The film takes us through a deeply moving story of how and what makes Hatzin realise what is the truth.
In a laudably restrained and quiet performance , actor Hatzin Navarrete, brings alive the innocence ,intelligence , turmoil and percipience of young Hatzin.Hernan Mendoza as Mario matches up with an equally subdued delivery.
Venezuelan Film Maker Lorenzo Vigas won accolades for this film and rightly so. While weaving a story that portrays the effect of an absent father in a boy’s life, he highlights, very subtly ,the plight of migrant labourer and the exploitative practises in such industrial badlands.
This sombre & immersive human drama is highly recommended if you have a palate for this genre.
BHAVNA TALKIES 