Torres’ creative eye is on full display in “Problemista” from the very first scene. It’s hard to really describe these images without diving into spoilers, but they are quite visually stunning and effective in conveying the absurdity of renewing a U.S. work visa, as well as navigating modern life in general. He also has a great grasp of directing his relatively minuscule cast, especially an against-type and erratic Swinton delivering a performance that will bring to mind all the terrible bosses you’ve had before.
However, that could also end up making or breaking “Problemista” for a lot of viewers. Seeing Alejandro be berated and abused by Elizabeth, as well as bearing witness to her frequent Karen-esque outbursts, can blur the lines between humorous discomfort and actual discomfort. If you have ever been in a similar situation to Alejandro’s character, the conclusion to this narrative will likely turn you off from the overall film, even if it is with the right intentions. However, if it was constructed to be a starting point for discussion, then Torres developed it perfectly.
If we had it our way, then this review would be far more lengthy. There is just so much to unpack with it, but alas, we would rather save the various surprises it holds for its wide release. “Problemista” won’t be for everyone, but it doesn’t want to be. It simply exists as its own magical thing, and for an auteur like Torres, that is the best possible result.
/Film rating: 7 out of 10