In the vast sea of content available on Netflix, it’s easy to overlook some truly remarkable films. For those who appreciate international cinema, Mexican films offer a vivid array of cultural, historical, and narrative treasures that shouldn't be missed. However, amidst the platform's extensive library, many of these cinematic gems often go unnoticed. In this article, we highlight five overlooked Mexican films that you might have missed on Netflix. From poignant dramas to entertaining comedies, these films are sure to provide a unique and enriching viewing experience.
FAMILIA
(Rodrigo García, Mexico, 2023, 104 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)
Set in an olive ranch in the wine region of Valle de Guadalupe in the northern Baja peninsula, the Spanish-language debut by acclaimed Mexican-Colombian director Rodrigo García (Raymond & Ray) is a poignant drama that centers on Leo, a patriarch who tries to maintain familial unity amidst underlying tensions and unspoken conflicts. With an impressive ensemble cast featuring Daniel Giménez Cacho (Bardo, Zama), Maribel Verdú (Pan’s Labyrinth), Ilse Salas (The Good Girls), Cassandra Ciangherotti (Los Espookys), Natalia Solián (Huesera: The Bone Woman), and Ángeles Cruz (I Carry You With Me), García delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring strength of familial bonds. Through evocative storytelling and heartfelt dialogue, Familia captures the essence of family life, highlighting the emotional intricacies and profound connections that define these relationships.
THE GREAT SEDUCTION / LA GRAN SEDUCCIÓN
(Celso García, Mexico, 2023, 94 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)
A remake of the 2003 French-Canadian hit comedy, The Great Seduction follows the quirky residents of a small coastal village as they hatch a plan to attract a doctor to their community. Facing economic hardship and dwindling population, the villagers see the arrival of a doctor as their ticket to revitalization. Led by the charming but crafty Mayor, they embark on a series of outrageous schemes to convince a big-city doctor to settle in their town. However, their efforts are met with hilarious misadventures and unexpected challenges, testing their resolve and pushing the boundaries of their small-town charm. Directed by Celso García (The Thin Yellow Line) and starring Academy Award-nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio, The Great Seduction is a delightful tale of community spirit, filled with heartwarming moments and infections humor.
HURRICANE SEASON / TEMPORADA DE HURACANES
(Elisa Miller, Mexico, 2023, 112 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)
From Elisa Miller, the director who won the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Best Short Film, and based on the brilliant and intense novel by Fernanda Melchor, Hurricane Season is a powerful and stunning film, with an impressive ensemble cast and impeccable cinematography by María Secco. Set in tropical and rural Mexicano, where hurricane season is coming on strong, four souls who are in search of redemption have to confront the relentless storm of their destiny in a world filled with violence instead of love.
I DON’T EXPECT ANYONE TO BELIEVE ME / NO VOY A PEDIRLE A NADIE QUE ME CREA
(Fernando Frías, Mexico/Spain 2023, 117 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)
This engrossing dark comedy from Mexican director Frías (I’m No Longer Here), based on the novel by acclaimed writer Juan Pablo Villalobos, follows Juan Pablo and his girlfriend, Valentina, as they embark on a journey to Barcelona, where he plans on getting his PhD. Things take increasingly absurd and sinister turns when Juan Pablo becomes entangled in a criminal network, which ultimately inspires him to write the novel he always dreamed of. Starring Darío Yazbek (Pet Shop Days) and Natalia Solián (Huesera: The Bone Woman). The New York Times praised this “wonderfully entertaining… modern, noir-infused twist on Surrealist literature and cinema.”
WHERE THE TRACKS END / EL ÚLTIMO VAGÓN
(Ernesto Contreras, Mexico, 2023, 95 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)
Featuring Academy Award-nominated actress Adriana Barraza, Where the Tracks End tells the moving story of Georgina, a dedicated teacher who conducts classes in a railcar classroom in a remote village. In this impoverished and socially troubled community, Georgina confronts numerous challenges as she strives to educate and uplift her students. Through her deep connections with her students, Georgina rediscovers her purpose and passion for teaching. However, her devotion is tested when she becomes entangled in a local controversy that threatens to fracture the community. Directed by Ernesto Contreras (I Dream in Another Language) Where the Tracks End is a powerful exploration of resilience, compassion, and the transformative impact of education amidst adversity.
