Female Film Critics 24/375
The warm, realistic chaos at the center of Lila Avilés’ drama Totem is both charming and poignant, drawing viewers into the hustle and bustle of a large Mexican family preparing for a big party while making it clear that the reason for their celebration is a hard one. Watching it all is seven-year-old Sol (impressive newcomer Naíma Sentíes), who knows that something difficult is coming but doesn’t want to believe or accept it.
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In the most unsentimental of ways, the narrative feature Tótem shows a family walking life’s path encumbered by the worst of circumstances. Mexico’s submission for this year’s Academy Awards, Tótem centers one day in the life of 7-year old Sol (the luminous Naíma Senties), as she helps prepare for her dad’s birthday party. This is the most and least ordinary and extraordinary of days. Birthdays are a time for joy, yes? They are a time for looking forward. And yet, we learn early on this one is different early on. When asked to share a wish she’s made out loud, the audience learns the weight Sol carries on her too-young shoulders. She answers matter of factly, “I wished for daddy not to die”.
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