What’s It About
Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer who’s struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an art world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Problemista, directed by Julio Torres, tells the quirky tale of Alejandro Martinez, a Salvadoran hopeful toy designer in New York City. As a kid, Alejandro’s life in an idyllic El Salvador shifts dramatically after he’s lured through a magical cave into modern-day New York, setting the stage for his dream-chasing journey. Played mainly by Torres, with Logan J. Alarcon-Poucel portraying his younger self, Alejandro struggles to find his footing in a city that’s as challenging as it is fascinating. In New York, Alejandro’s aspirations to create unique toys—like a slinky that refuses to slink and tech-savvy Cabbage Patch Dolls—echo Torres’ humor from his comedy special “My Favorite Shapes.” However, these inventions come off more as art projects than viable products. Alejandro’s survival in the city depends on securing a visa, a task complicated by his low-level job at FreezeCorp, a dubious cryogenic company promising a future revival. Alejandro’s life turns when he meets Elizabeth (played by Tilda Swinton), who is in a whirlwind of drama and demands. With eccentric red hair and a brash demeanor, Elizabeth needs someone to organize her late husband Bobby’s art show, featuring 13 egg paintings. Despite her abrasive nature, she agrees to sponsor Alejandro’s visa if he helps with the exhibition, plunging him into the chaotic New York art scene and a battle against the clock and U.S. immigration laws. Narrated by Isabella Rossellini in a fairy-tale style, the film explores Alejandro’s journey with a blend of whimsy and stark reality. His interactions with the unpredictable Elizabeth, the depiction of Craigslist as a bizarre genie, and metaphorical challenges illustrate his struggle. Yet, despite the fantasy elements, Problemista grounds itself in the harsh truths of immigration, highlighting the system’s complexity and cruelty. Alejandro’s character is sincere but passive, often overwhelmed by the city and his circumstances. Elizabeth’s over-the-top antics, while showcasing Swinton’s talent, usually detract from the story’s heart, overshadowing Alejandro’s quest and turning her into a caricature rather than a fleshed-out character. Ultimately, Problemista is a film of contrasts, blending dreamlike sequences with the gritty reality of immigrant life. While it offers poignant insights into the immigrant experience and the pursuit of dreams, the narrative sometimes struggles under the weight of its more fantastical elements and the overpowering presence of Elizabeth. Nonetheless, Alejandro’s story is a compelling depiction of resilience and the universal search for belonging in an often indifferent world.
OUR RATING – A QUIRKY 8