Based on the novel of the same name by Juan Pablo Villalobos, the story revolves around the life of a drug lord’s only child. Tochtli's life diverges sharply from that of a typical child. His days are devoid of regular outings, lacking the bustling laughter of friends, and are notably absent from the structured routine of school. Yet, before you leap to conclusions about deprivation, understand that Tochtli's reality is quite the opposite. He is the offspring of a drug lord, a fact that intricately weaves the fabric of his unconventional existence. He doesn’t know who his mother is and throughout the movie, there is no mention of his mother. The rest of the world doesn’t know about Tochtli’s existence. And that is why his father keeps him away from the world outside.
An inheritor to a sprawling criminal empire, Tochtli resides within a world he is too young to grasp fully. His father, the architect of this clandestine realm, serves not only as a patriarch but also as his son's sole educator. Despite his tender age, Tochtli's mind is a repository of diverse knowledge, a testament to the unconventional curriculum orchestrated by his father. Curiosity dances within the depths of his gaze, fueled by an insatiable thirst to unravel the mysteries of the world. His penchant for collecting an array of hats mirrors the kaleidoscope of interests that pepper his burgeoning intellect.
However, the shadow cast by his father's chosen path looms large over Tochtli's burgeoning innocence. The tendrils of the criminal underworld subtly entwine themselves around him, shaping his perceptions and sculpting his reality. Yet amidst this labyrinth of secrecy and danger, a singular incident awaits, poised to alter the course of Tochtli's destiny irrevocably.
Throughout the movie, Miguel Valverde shines. His acting as an inquisitive 10-year-old child living at his father’s behest, unaware of what the life his father leads captures the audience and leaves a lasting mark.
The chosen theme in this film delves into profound depths, yet its execution falls short, giving rise to a significant issue. From the outset, the viewer is confronted with a perplexing array of scenes, necessitating considerable time and effort to understand the intricacies of the narrative and the interplay between its characters.
As the opening scenes unfold, a sense of disorientation pervades, shrouding the viewer in uncertainty regarding the plot's direction and the connections between its protagonists. This lack of clarity serves as a barrier, impeding the audience's ability to immerse themselves in the unfolding story fully. It takes the viewers some time to understand what the relation between each character is and who is playing what. Even the ending can be a little confusing to understand.
Ultimately, while the film's thematic ambitions are commendable, its faltering execution hampers its ability to resonate deeply with audiences, underscoring the critical importance of cohesive storytelling in translating complex themes to the screen.
Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times