Problemista

I want [Julio Torres] to get better as a director... But he's a wonderful actor and a really smart writer.

A whimsical fish-out-of-water tale following a toymaker navigating the U.S. immigration system, Problemista is a deeply considered, fantastical tromp through a mundane wonderland.

An inventive, whimsical and delightfully oddball story of the immigrant experience, "Problemista" marks the promising writing and directing debut of Julio Torres.

The film is very funny, but also so jam-packed – with fairytale imagery, art world tropes, caustic roommates, uncaring institutions – that as you’re watching, it can feel a bit much.

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to find a creative partner who sees the world the way you do, the connection between Elizabeth and Alejandro will hit you joyfully and achingly.

“Problemista” is far from perfect, but it will hit home for anyone in need of reassurance that irrational hope can triumph over even more irrational experience.

A story about trying to navigate indifferent bureaucracy and weather the petty indignities of capitalism told with a comedian’s wit and a budding visual artist’s stylistic panache.

Problemista was a surprising modern fairytale of a buddy comedy to me, and I hope many others take the time to see this.

Oh, A24, you seldom disappoint.

In an age where generations seem to disdain each other as much as they ever have, Problemista's exploration of cross-generational relationships prevails as timely and poignant.