Problemista: Unveiling the Surreal Brilliance of Julio Torres’ Debut

Ah, to delve into the enigmatic mind of Julio Torres for just a fleeting moment – what wonders we might uncover! Torres, the mastermind behind Problemista, not only directs and writes this cinematic gem but also graces the screen as its leading star. With Problemista marking his feature debut, one can’t help but wonder: if this is just the beginning, what marvels lie ahead in Torres’ cinematic journey? We can’t predict the future, but we can only expect extraordinary things from this man.

Since its debut at SXSW on March 13, 2023, we’ve had our eye on Problemista for many reasons, but mainly because as queer Latinx immigrants ourselves, we find resonance in its storyline. Yet, despite our anticipation, nothing could have prepared us for the surreal and captivating journey that awaited within.

Thanks to A24, we were fortunate enough to catch an early screening of this film. And let us tell you, it’s an experience that transcended mere cinema and immersed us in a world of surreal wonder. Because that’s the thing with Problemista, it’s not just a film, but an experience.

Whether you’re well-versed in Torres’ surrealistic oeuvre or venturing into his universe for the first time, Problemista promises a journey that will linger in your thoughts long after the final credits roll.

Inside Problemista’s Surreal World

Problemista tells the story of Alejandro (Julio Torres), an immigrant from El Salvador who aspires to be a famous toy maker and dreams of landing a job at Hasbro in New York City. Living with more roommates than we could count, Alejandro finds himself working at a cryogenic facility. Yep, you read that right, a cryogenic facility.

Here, terminally ill artists are offered the chance to freeze themselves in hopes that “sometime in the future, scientists can find a way to unfreeze them.” Legally, the facility’s services border on euthanasia, yet their business model thrives on the promise of a future resurrection. It’s a notion that straddles the line between hope and despair, blurring the boundaries of life and death in a surreal dance of possibility.

But we digress, at the facility, Alejandro is in charge of monitoring the body of an artist called Bobby (RZA), known for his paintings of eggs. When Alejandro accidentally unplugs one of the power sources keeping Bobby’s cryo tube working (an inconsequential misstep btw), he’s fired, putting his dreams and immigration status at risk.

Yet, fate has other plans in store for Alejandro, as the very same day sees him embroiled in an unexpected adventure alongside Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton) – the enigmatic wife of Bobby. Tasked with hunting down Bobby’s missing paintings for an exhibition, Alejandro finds himself on a quest that may hold the key to solving all his problems – securing an immigration visa to pursue his aspirations at Hasbro.

Under Torres’ deft direction, Problemista navigates the intricate maze of the U.S. immigration system, infusing humor and surrealism into the narrative fabric while shedding light on the struggles faced by immigrants. Through Alejandro’s journey, we witness the struggles of navigating a system designed to thwart aspirations and opportunities. Alejandro’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in pursuing one’s dreams in a foreign land. 

Through surrealistic visions – a resource that Torres uses constantly throughout the film – Alejandro imagines a world where immigrants are racing against time to stay in the country, trapped in a never-ending escape room of paperwork and obstacles. Alejandro’s journey reflects the struggles many immigrants face, balancing dreams with the harsh reality of the immigration system. 

Yet, the heart and soul of Problemista isn’t that, but the unlikely bond between Alejandro and Elizabeth – a pairing that defies expectations and ignites the screen with palpable chemistry. Elizabeth’s abrasive demeanor always stands in stark contrast to Alejandro’s gentle nature, yet their connection forms the core of the film. Their journey, fraught with challenges and revelations, serves as the emotional anchor of the film. In their unlikely alliance, Torres finds moments of profound insight and unexpected humor, weaving together a narrative that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

Problemista adeptly navigates the landscape of storytelling with its peculiar and surrealistic charm. It daringly showcases the intricacies of life, presenting the audience with a candid portrayal of the rights, the wrongs, and the inevitables in a way rarely seen on screen.

Torres’ comedic timing shines through, effortlessly delivering moments of levity amidst the film’s darker themes. With an acute awareness of its own identity, Problemista confronts capitalism’s myriad injustices head-on, from the harrowing realities of aggressive desperation to the soul-crushing bureaucracy that ensnares its characters. 

It goes without saying that Problemista transcends traditional storytelling, offering a poignant reflection on the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity. It’s a testament to resilience, friendship found in unexpected places, and the necessity of sometimes embracing one’s inner ‘problemista’ to navigate life’s challenges.

With its whimsical design, vibrant colors, and unapologetic portrayal of life’s absurdities, Problemista stands as a triumph of storytelling. Torres invites us into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, where dreams collide with harsh realities, and where the journey is as illuminating as the destination.

In the end, Problemista reminds us that within each of us lies a spark of defiance – a ‘problemista’ of sorts waiting to emerge, to fight for our dreams, our rights, and ultimately, our place in the world. Whether we embody the spirit of ambitious dreamers, enigmatic eggs, or red-eyed hydras, the film urges us to confront life’s challenges with resilience and fortitude, shaping the type of humans we want to become in the process.

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Problemista is now in selected theaters in NYC and LA, and everywhere on March 22. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!

Featured image: Image Courtesy of A24. Credit: Jon Pack.