Problemista (2024) Film Review

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 realise his dream.

Problemista is directed by Julio Torres which is his directorial debut. 

If there’s a couple words that could describe Problemista it would be creative and unique, Julio Torres brings a very sharp narrative told in both a humorous and dramatic way. The film explores adulthood and how it can be quite bizarre at times along with the immigration process which I was honestly not expecting. The film really explores both these topics well, the adulthood part is explored in mostly a comedic way with tons of incredibly fun dialogue. When the film talks about the immigration process the film is much more serious and has so many touching moments that really shine through the performances. 

Speaking of which Julio Torres is excellent here, he gives a strong performance as Alejandro who quickly becomes a very interesting character. The writing builds this character so fluidly and carefully that it’s quite touching to see. Tilda Swinton is the other half that really brings this film together, she’s funny, has excellent chemistry with Torres and her character Elizabeth much like Alejandro is written fluidly. 

The surreal humor is quite fascinating as well, there’s a blend of fantasy to it that the film compares and contrasts fantasy and reality in incredibly fun ways. Whether it be bits and pieces or dialogue or some fun visuals it always manages to get its point across very well. Julio Torres has a great eye for storytelling and it can easily be seen with the amount of character moments between Alejandro and Elizabeth or just visually.

Problemista is an incredibly creative film that is a ton of fun to watch, give this one a watch! 

Problemista is available on all VOD platforms.

9/10 A

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