Direction: Juan Pablo Gonzalez
Country: Mexico
Juan Pablo Gonzalez's feature length debut, Dos Estaciones, is set in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, where the California-based writer-director was born and raised. Inspired by members of his own family in direct relation with the tequila business, Gonzalez presents a realistic rural drama and contemporary portrait of the region with a strong female character at the center.
The modern machinery and the traditional Mexican village almost strive to coexist together, in a story about an adamant tequila rancher, Maria Garcia (Teresa Sánchez), who having inherited the factory Dos Estaciones from previous generations, managed to modernize it and thrive economically. But all of a sudden, her lifetime work collapses in front of her eyes. It’s not just the fierce competition and the pesticide-resistant plague that threatens the agave fields; it’s also the unannounced weather-related challenges that sometimes require expensive remedial measures.
Adopting a man-like posture and exhibiting a nearly military look, Sanchez is impeccable as this once successful entrepreneur who gained the respect of the villagers. In the last attempt to save her factory, Maria hires Rafaela (Rafaela Fuentes), an experienced and versatile worker to whom she becomes physically attracted. The focus then briefly shifts to Tatis (Tatín Vera), a local transgender hairdresser whose salon is about to be expanded.
Dos Estaciones is not flashy nor imposing, but its purpose and meaning rings loud, providing one of those experiences where honesty and heaviness can’t be dissociated. Despite contemplative on occasion, it carries this subtly underlying tension that bites consistently. Because Gonzalez isn't afraid to convey the deep concerns, insecurities and strengths of these women, you immediately know the film is going to give you something. Cinematographer Gerardo Guerra assists him by extracting natural lyricism from the visual compositions.
