Tótem

AroView: There are now many films directed by women but not all have such a palpable female point of view as this lively and lovely Mexican family drama from writer-director Lila Avilés that takes place over the course of a day.

Seven-year-old Sol (Naíma Sentíes) is the literal poster child for the film, but she’s just one of the girls of a large middle-class family in the throw of organizing a birthday party for a terminally-ill family member – a young father, uncle, brother, son, husband, and patient of an in-house caregiver. The grieving is implicit as they deal with the impending loss of this beloved man in their own personal way, with each seemingly caught in a private liminal space between the living and the dead. ★★★★

“One of the finest movies you’ll see this year.” ~‍Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

“An exquisite, emotionally overwhelming drama. Avilés pulls you into the action with a depth and force of feeling.” ~Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times

“A luminous and soul-nourishing microcosm built on profound love in the face of impending grief.” ~‍Carlos Aguilar, The Playlist