The 20 best Latino movies of 2024
As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that these films have left a profound impact on my life and perspective. Each one offers a unique glimpse into different aspects of humanity, from the struggles faced by immigrants in “The Settlers” to the resilience of Eunice Paiva in “I’m Still Here.” The standout for me is “Sujo,” which manages to portray the complexities of life in Mexico during the drug war with a refreshing sense of optimism and hope. As someone who has followed the work of Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez, I eagerly await their continued contributions to Mexican cinema.
And now, a little joke for you: Why don’t movies ever get lost? Because they always find their way back to the silver screen!
2024 stood out as a remarkable year for movies from Latin America and its diaspora, featuring diverse storylines that extended beyond the immigration discourse to tales of personal growth set in unconventional formats such as puppet musicals; films exploring Chile’s troubled history, as well as adaptations of cherished Mexican literature. Here are some movies that left a lasting impression over the past year.
20. The Casagrandes Movie
In this cherished Nickelodeon series, the lively Mexican-American family takes off on their most daring journey yet as the show’s spirited protagonist, Ronnie Anne (portrayed by Izabella Alvarez), turns 12. This milestone event leads them to a charming town in Michoacán, where Ronnie encounters a mystical being that underscores the timeless struggle between mothers and daughters. Director Miguel Puga drew inspiration from the rich P’urhépecha culture and his personal summer experiences in Jacona, Michoacán, to create a depiction of Mexico rooted in unique, meaningful connections rather than generic stereotypes.
Streaming on Netflix
A fresh wave of Tejano documentaries, originating from Sundance and moving towards streaming platforms, are now reaching broader audiences and narrating captivating tales using unique approaches.
19. Going Varsity in Mariachi
Beyond typical after-school activities, various Texas high schools offer students an opportunity to join competitive mariachi bands. Timeless melodies such as “Mexico Lindo y Querido” or “El Rey” come alive through the talent of young musicians and singers. The teenagers from Mariachi Oro at Edinburgh North High School in the Rio Grande Valley, along with their teacher Abel Acuña, are highlighted here to demonstrate how this traditional Mexican music genre helps them foster a sense of community, strengthen their self-assurance, and celebrate their heritage. In each performance, culture continues to thrive.
Streaming on Netflix
18. Pedro Páramo
In his debut as a director, three-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto revisits Juan Rulfo’s iconic novel, partially set during the Mexican Revolution, for a retelling. The story follows Juan Preciado (Tenoch Huerta), who enters the haunting town of Comala to keep a pledge made to his departed mother. In days long past, Juan’s father, Pedro Páramo (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), held sway over these lands like an oppressive ruler. Now, Juan must confront the spectral remnants of those harmed by the father he never knew. This narrative delves into how acts of kindness and cruelty echo through generations, seeming nearly impossible to escape.
Streaming on Netflix
17. Música
In his unique debut film, versatile performer Rudy Mancuso, who also penned the script and took on the director’s chair, portrayed a youthful version of himself residing with his true-to-life mother in New Jersey’s Brazilian American neighborhood. Struggling between the weight of a conventional profession or chasing his dream to produce a musical comedy series featuring puppets, he finds himself captivated by the sensible Isabella (Camila Mendes). This fusion of realistic scenes, comical melodies, and artistic representations of how Rudy perceives every sound is a fascinating display of individuality.
Streaming on Prime
16. Frida
As a fan, I must admit that there are numerous films exploring the tumultuous life of Frida Kahlo, a painter whose image has sadly become overused iconography. However, Carla Gutierrez, a Peruvian-born director who was once an editor, takes a unique approach in this documentary. Rather than relying on external interpretations, she allows Frida to express herself directly through first-person narration. This portrait is crafted from the artist’s personal diaries and ingeniously uses animation to breathe life into her thought-provoking artworks. The voice of Fernanda Echevarría gives us a raw, sometimes crude, yet vulnerable Frida who discusses heartache, passion, and how she used creativity as a means to confront her pain.
Streaming on Prime
Entertainment & Arts
As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to delve into the upcoming releases of 2024! Here are some titles that have piqued my interest:
1. For the sci-fi enthusiasts like myself, mark your calendars for “Dune: Part Two” – a continuation of the epic space odyssey.
2. If you’re into drama, “Anora” might be right up your alley. Starring Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
3. For those seeking a dose of comedy, don’t miss “The Vince Staples Show” or the quirky “The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin.”
4. If you prefer a mix of drama and comedy, give “Kimberly Akimbo” a try. It’s a unique tale that will undoubtedly touch your heart.
5. Last but not least, the timeless classic “Waiting for Godot” gets a modern twist in 2024. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
Our esteemed critics have already shared their top picks of 2024, and these are some of the titles they’ve highly recommended. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic adventure!
15. In Her Place
After garnering two Oscar nominations with her documentaries “The Mole Agent” and “The Eternal Memory,” Chilean filmmaker Maite Alberdi delves into a fictional narrative based on the true story of writer María Carolina Geel (portrayed by Francisca Lewin), who was convicted of killing her lover in the 1950s. Despite wishing to serve her sentence, she was acquitted solely due to her gender. Through the perspective of Mercedes (Elisa Zulueta), a married mother employed by the judge handling the case, Alberdi examines how patriarchal societies compel women into near-incompressible domestic roles. In the vacant apartment of María Carolina, Mercedes discovers a sense of liberation.
Streaming on Netflix
14. Queens (Reinas)
In this heartfelt debut movie influenced by Klaudia Reynicke’s childhood in 1990s Lima, Peru, a father’s imaginative stories serve as comfort during a time of separation. As economic and political turmoil grips South America, Carlos (played brilliantly by Gonzalo Molina), a somewhat imperfect but deeply caring father, spends precious moments with his daughters, teenage Aurora (Luana Vega) and younger Lucía (Abril Gjurinovic). Before their imminent move to the U.S. with their mother, Carlos makes every effort to create an unforgettable bond with his “queens,” leaving a lasting impact on them.
Coming to VOD soon
13. Rita
In a creative manner, filmmaker Jayro Bustamante utilized genre conventions to address the genocide of indigenous people in his home country Guatemala through the lens of a political horror thriller titled “La Llorona.” His subsequent work maintains the eerie supernatural tone to shed light on another tragic event – the mistreatment of dozens of young girls that occurred in 2017. The main character, 13-year-old Rita (played by Giuliana Santa Cruz), flees an abusive household and is sent to a reformatory where abuse, both physical and sexual, are commonplace. Donning a pair of feathered wings, Rita serves as the spark for a plot aimed at liberating all the imprisoned youths in this institution and unmasking the appalling treatment they’ve endured.
Streaming on Shudder
12. Los Frikis
During the “special period” in the 1990s, many young Cuban outcasts, aware of the danger, deliberately contracted HIV. This was their means of gaining access to secluded sanatoriums in rural areas, where they were ensured food and safety. One such individual is Paco, portrayed powerfully by Héctor Medina, who takes this drastic step and is sent away. His innocent younger brother, Gustavo (Eros de la Puente), manages to follow him, and for a while, they experience a blissful, camp-like freedom reminiscent of paradise. Adria Arjona, known from “Hit Man,” plays a compassionate caretaker in this setting.
Playing in theaters
11. Eureka
Lisandro Alonso, a daring Argentine filmmaker, crafts an expansive trilogy that journeys through the Americas and spans centuries to delve into the lives of Indigenous communities post-colonization. Viggo Mortensen, often working with Alonso, takes on the role of a father in search of his daughter across three distinct settings: the Old West, contemporary South Dakota, and the Amazon rainforest of Brazil several decades ago. This thought-provoking yet enigmatic film challenges viewers to embrace its leisurely tempo and unanticipated stylistic twists.
Available on VOD
10. Problemista
Alejandro (Julio Torres), an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, moved to New York City to chase his unusual profession. Unable to secure his desired internship, he found himself navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. To remain in the country, the gentle young man accepted a job helping Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), a quirky and sharp-tongued artist who agreed to sponsor him for a green card. The newest creation from the mind behind “Los Espookys” is an extraordinary immigrant tale teeming with creativity, absurd humor, and insightful criticism of a system designed to suppress the most vulnerable.
Streaming on Max / Available on VOD
9. The Human Surge 3
In a remarkable blend of disorientation and enlightenment, this experimental piece significantly alters our connection with moving images. Filmed using a 360-degree VR camera that seamlessly floats through various spaces, it offers an immersive, fluid experience. This groundbreaking work, a continuation (not necessarily a sequel) of his 2016 project “The Human Surge”, is the brainchild of Argentine visionary Eduardo Williams. In this installment, he focuses on youths wandering in Peru, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. Initially, their stories unfold independently, but as geographical barriers dissolve and timelines intertwine, it creates a fascinating visual experience that’s hard to forget. The final sequence is nothing short of an optical illusion masterpiece.
Available on VOD
8. Chronicles of a Wandering Saint
Rita (played by Mónica Villa), a deeply religious woman who is fixated on miracles, manipulates the truth to convince her small-town Argentine community that she’s experienced one. However, halfway through her deception, filmmaker Tomás Gómez Bustillo, who was once a Catholic missionary, introduces an unexpected twist that changes the direction of this unique storyline. The narrative then ventures into the realm of the supernatural, where physical demons, conversing objects, and the rules of the afterlife intertwine with the living world – although it may remain unnoticed by them.
Available on VOD
7. Hummingbirds
As a passionate admirer, I’d like to share that from the vibrant border town of Laredo, Texas, two extraordinary friends, Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía “Beba” Contreras, both Mexican-American, jointly directed a radiant dual self-portrait. This captivating work explores the ambiguity and hope that shrouds the future for queer activists hailing from economically challenged backgrounds. The undocumented status of Beba often casts shadows on her aspirations. However, they transform the mundane into melodies and verses, drawing inspiration from the places, people, and most significantly, their unbreakable bond, forged through “lo bueno y lo malo.
Coming to VOD soon
6. In the Summers
In a powerful display, Puerto Rican music sensation Residente (known as René Pérez Joglar) captivates in this Sundance-winning drama. He portrays a distressed father who cherishes every moment with his daughters, who he only sees annually. The story unfolds across three separate chapters, each featuring a different actress depicting the girls at various stages of maturity – Sasha Calle and Lio Mehiel portray them as adults. This nuanced, empathetic first feature by Colombian-American writer-director Alessandra Lacorazza follows the transformation of the parent-child bond, navigating obstacles, memorable moments, resentment, and ultimately, forgiveness.
Available on VOD
5. La Cocina
Inside a bustling restaurant in Times Square, a flurry of commands is issued, with cooks and waitstaff from various parts of the world executing their tasks with a mix of organized chaos. Among them is Pedro (Raúl Briones), an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, who skillfully prepares dishes while dishing out witty yet arrogant comments. However, when cash mysteriously disappears at the same time that his girlfriend Julia (Rooney Mara) makes the decision to terminate her pregnancy, Pedro starts to crumble dramatically. This grayscale adaptation of Arnold Wesker’s “The Kitchen” explores how capitalism consistently denies the fulfillment of the American Dream for many.
4. Pictures of Ghosts
For Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho, cinema is deeply personal. This documentary serves as both a heartfelt homage to the old movie houses of his hometown Recife, and a thoughtful exploration of his own connection with movies. A must-watch for any film enthusiast, it beautifully intertwines childhood memories, historical facts, and cinematic illusions. Footage from the house where he spent his youth, where his passion for visual narration took root, merges with clips he captured in the 90s when those local theaters were still bustling – one of them, São Luiz, still stands today. The blend of nostalgia, factual accounts, and creative elements results in a captivating cinematic charm.
Streaming on Criterion Channel / Available on VOD
3. The Settlers
In a powerful western film, Chile’s bloody past – much like many post-colonial countries – serves as the backdrop for a scathing critique. A wealthy man contracts a disillusioned British soldier (Mark Stanley), a brutal American cowboy (Benjamin Westfall), and an uncertain young Chilean mestizo (Camilo Arancibia) to remove Indigenous people from his land. Together, they embark on a violent journey that reveals the dark roots of Chile’s founding story. The film’s confident scripting and direction are remarkable given that it is director Felipe Gálvez Haberle’s debut feature.
Streaming on Mubi/ Available on VOD
2. I’m Still Here
In a remarkable display of maturity, experienced actress Fernanda Torres gives an outstanding portrayal as Eunice Paiva in this year’s standout performance. Eunice is a mother of five whose husband, politically active, goes missing during Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1970s. The film, directed by Walter Salles and based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s book about his own family, showcases the intricate relationships within this close-knit household with a talented cast that makes their interactions feel genuine and believable. Torres’ award-worthy acting skillfully portrays both the sorrow of Eunice’s situation and her inner resilience, which she needed to seek justice and ward off despair.
Returning to theaters Jan. 17
1. Sujo
In a bid to avoid repeating his father’s tragic past as a sicario, Juan Jesús Varela (Sujo), a teenager from Michoacán, migrates to Mexico City. Despite the pervasive economic inequality that characterizes Mexican society, Sujo’s thirst for knowledge may pave the way for him to chart a fresh course. Directors Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez, renowned for their work on “Identifying Features” and prominent voices in contemporary Mexican cinema, portray the challenges encountered by young men like Sujo without minimizing them, but offer a hopeful, tentative resolution to his story. If you’re planning to watch just one film from 2024 that unfolds against the backdrop of Mexico’s drug war, make sure this is the one you choose.
Playing in theaters
Read More
- PHA PREDICTION. PHA cryptocurrency
- DYDX PREDICTION. DYDX cryptocurrency
- CHR PREDICTION. CHR cryptocurrency
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- CELR PREDICTION. CELR cryptocurrency
- COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
- BNB PREDICTION. BNB cryptocurrency
- YFI PREDICTION. YFI cryptocurrency
- ADA PREDICTION. ADA cryptocurrency
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
2024-12-31 19:32