Mercedes Hernández as Magdalena
Young and still a minor, Jesús (Juan Jesús Varela) informs his mother, Magdalena (Mercedes Hernández) that he is catching a bus to the US border with his neighbour and friend Rigo (Xicoténcatl Ulloa) to attempt to enter the US illegally. Reluctantly, Magdalena helps him pack, fully aware of the dangers that might lie ahead. When the two lads fail to contact their parents for two months, they report them missing at the local police station. This is an all too frequent scenario for the police, who simply present them with a book of photographs of all the cadavers of people found in that period, in a matter-of-fact manner that shocks. Magdalena’s neighbour Chuya (Laura Elena Ibarra) recognizes her son and learns he was a victim of a brutal bus hijacking, where passengers were robbed and killed. But still, there is no sign of Jesús. The stoical Magdalena, convinced that he must therefore still be alive, sets out with her limited funds, to search for him, no matter what the consequences may be. She cannot live without knowing whether he is dead or alive.
Juan Jesús Varela as Jesús
This film is fiction, but all too real. There is minimal dialogue, exposing great power in the silences and the slow-burn rhythm of the film. Tight close-ups on the characters with long takes, emphasize the resilience in Magdalena’s restrained emotions, so we are drawn to empathize with her fierce determination. Many films have been created about this violent area, largely controlled by a plethora of militant groups whose origins or even intentions are not always known, not least Jonás Cuarón’s ‘Desierto’ starring Gaël García Bernal, or the action-packed and very dramatic ‘Sin Nombre’ by Cary Joji Fukunaga. These are both not to be missed, but this opera prima by Valadez, with its subtlety, is one of the few to have captured the visceral pain of the families in such a minimalist and empathetic manner. Greatly enhanced by the superb camerawork of cinematographer Claudia Becerril Bulos, who uses lighting, desolate landscapes and bokeh (blurred images), we are taken into the border area between these two countries and thrust into a land of dreams and nightmares.
Mercedes Hernández
On her journey, searching for a recluse who may be able to reveal something about the fate of her son, Magdalena stumbles on Miguel (David Illescas), a lad who has been deported from ‘the promised land’ only to return to Ocampo, to find his mother’s home abandoned and the livestock all dead. As Miguel has lost his mother and Magdalena has lost her son, they develop a quiet bond.
David Illescas as Miguel
But the Devil is alive and well on the Mexican /US border. Despite the stillness, the shocking underbelly is gradually revealed and Valadez holds us in a state of dramatic tension and suspense throughout. It is disturbing to see lorries converted into temporary, or not so temporary morgues that are simply parked in the streets, where parents queue to gaze at decomposed bodies in black body bags, as if they were looking at merchandise. Few are able to recognize their kin.
Mercedes Hernández is mesmerizing as Magdalena. It is her first leading role and her determination not to give up, despite the fears and dangers, has a universal resonance. She suffers a mother’s worst nightmare and we suffer with her.
Without explaining the whys and wherefores of the political scenario behind this drama, Valadez appears to be primarily concerned with the human consequences of the brutal border issues, emphasizing the inner emotions and the unseen suffering of the families of the scores of victims in this violent land. With a very satisfactory conclusion, Valadez proves to have a directorial confidence and a potential that will have us looking forward to her next productions.
Valadez is also known for previous shorts 400 Maletas (2014) and De Este Mundo (2010).
‘Identifying Features’ won two awards at the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2020 Sundance Film festival, has been nominate to multiple awards at many festivals, as well as winning the coveted Golden Eye at the 16th Zürich Film Festival for ‘Best Film’ in the Feature Films Competition.
Sin Señas Particulares (Identifying Features 2020)
Directed by Fernanda Valadez
Produced by Astrid Rondero
Written by Fernanda Valadez, Astrid Rondero
Featuring Mercedes Hernández, David Illescas, Juan Jesús Varela & Xicotécatl Ulloa, Laura Elena Ibarra and Ana Laura Rodríguez.
DOP Claudia Becerril Bulos
Editing Fernanda Valadez, Astrid Rondero, Susan Korda
Original Music Clarice Jensen
