DVD Corner

Tόtem Blu-ray Review

“Tόtem” is meandering, but effective. 

Written and directed by Lila Avilés, “Tόtem” revolves around Sol- a 7 year old girl who is struggling with the fact that her father (Tona) is dying. The central story is set at Sol’s grandfather’s place where a birthday party for Tona is taking place. The household is chaotic to say the least as Sol’s aunts prepare for the festivities in which numerous friends and family members will be attending. 

While far from eventful and perhaps a bit too dry and meandering for its own good, “Tόtem” is nonetheless an insightful, grounded, and observational story about family, childhood, tragedy, and a loss of innocence. Although it would have been more effective had the story been entirely told through Sol’s POV (it still largely is), we (the audience) still get her perspective of attending this birthday party which is in reality really a farewell party. It may sound like a downer on paper, but this Mexican film isn’t all dour. Avilés manages to dig into numerous subjects within the narrative such as nature, cultural history, superstitions, and family bonds. It’s as much about the joys of everyday life as it is about the impending death of an individual. One could also say it’s a coming-of-age story for Sol whose life is about to forever change no matter how much she doesn’t want it to. 

“Tόtem” also does a commendable job in really capturing the essence of a family get-together regardless of the situations whether it be the children acting like brats or the adults bickering. 

In terms of the cast, Naíma Sentíes gives a remarkable performance as Sol. She says so much without saying a word at times. You really feel everything she is going through. Mateo García Elizondo (Tona), Marisol Gasé (Alejandra) and Monsterrat Marañón (Nuri) also deliver soulful performances. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? Diego Tenorio’s cinematography style really shines in hi-df. 

Audio Track: Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a clean audio track. 

Extras include a trailer, a 16 ½ minute “Meet The Filmmakers” interview with Lila Avilés who talks about the personal project of “Tōtem,” cinematic influences, casting and more, and a booklet featuring a piece by Michael Joshua Rowin.

September 14, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Janus Contemporaries, Mexican Cinema, Tόtem Blu-ray Review