Direction: Lila Aviléz
Country: Mexico
Tótem is the sophomore feature by Mexican writer-director Lila Aviléz, whose debut feature happened in 2018 with The Chambermaid. It’s an unsentimental and deeply personal family drama seen through the eyes of Sol (Naíma Sentíes), a 7-year-old girl who is psychologically preparing to bid farewell to her father, Tonatiuh (Mateo García Elizondo), who is battling cancer. The story revolves around the emotions surrounding Tonatiuh's 27th birthday party, a significant event during this challenging period of their lives. Despite the seemingly grim backdrop, there are many touching details to be discovered within this narrative, thanks to well-developed characters, pitch-perfect performances, and a tactful direction.
The birthday celebration occurs at the house of Sol’s undemonstrative grandfather, organized by her aunts Alejandra (Marisol Gasé), who hires a mystic woman to cleanse the house from negative energies, and Nuria (Montserrat Marañón), a single mother grappling with alcohol issues. Despite aggravating financial problems, the family decides to keep Cruz (Teresita Sánchez), Tonatiuh’s tireless caretaker.
Tótem provides a grounded, well-rounded insight into the value of life before it changes irrevocably. It belongs to the category of small choral films that, having something to say, are all the more engaging because they're rooted in truth. However, despite its keen observations and insight, it might not leave you completely floored.
Compact and modest in its storytelling, this film can be both heartwarming and heart-wrenching in equal measure. It feels good to see the tensions and conflicts within the family being engulfed by tenderness and love. The film's restraint, brought up by a refined cinematic language, often communicates more through silence than words. Yet, its tenuousness and temperance might limit its reach to a broader audience.
