En Algun Lugar (English) [A Place To be]

Sometimes good intentions and ideas don't always translate into a gripping movie. Especially when you are trying to leave a very strong social message through the film, it becomes even more important to get a handle on the subject and where you are trying to go with it. The film tackles the main issue too late and only touches upon it in the surface.

Diego has a chance encounter with Abel on the streets of Chicago. There is attraction but both men are shy. Eventually after two more unexpected meetings, they start dating. They have instant connection and soon they are meeting families and friends. But Diego seem to be hiding something. Being of Mexican descent, we see him facing racist slurs and hence he has become a man of strong opinions. The romance is at its peak when we find that Diego's mother is dying in Mexico. Diego, actually came to US when he was 6 years old and still after so many years is an undocumented illegal immigrant. Abel convinces him and joins him to go to Mexico but the mother already dies. Diego tries to reconnect with his sister and with his origins but it is soon time to go back to US and it will have to be illegally. Abel refuses to go on flight directly and insists he will join Diego whatever way he does. Tragedy strikes when Diego is killed in transit after a fight. On his return to US, Diego finds out from Abel's sister that Abel actually gave his whole identity to Diego and now a new world should open up for him.

The pace and the mood of the film is very contrast in two halves. While the first half is romantic drama focusing solely on the men getting to know each other and falling in love, the second half is slightly darker. From making a statement and giving out a message, it is not very clear if its making a political point, or immigration issues or just capitalizing on Trump administration's recent development on the issue. I feel somehow that issue was missing. The story is good and the actors have acted decent (not good) given what they were asked to do. But at almost 2 hours running length, the film felt stretched in a lot of places. Also, what I don't understand is why would Abel leave his identity for Diego just because he was going on a trip to Mexico. Its not like he was illegal. What made him think that he may not return. I don't get it. Like I said before, the subject is interesting and relevant but it failed to touch me. It was a surface level exploration.

With tighter editing and shorter length, the film could have been even more enjoyable. Unsure of what exactly the film wanted to say made my experience a bit disjointed. But may be its just my mood. You may like the film, but I feel a more coherent focus would have been much better. (5/10)