Watch Another Barrio

Another Barrio is a 2017 thriller mystery movie that highlights the social injustices, immigration nuances and the cultural diversity of contemporary San Francisco. The story revolves around the disappearance of a Mexican-American, Salvadoran eatery worker named Roberto. The case is handed to Manny, a neighborhood custodian, who teams up with Olivia, a new resident, who happens to be a civil rights lawyer. Together, they delve deep into the case and unravel the harsh reality of gentrification and its effects on the barrio.

The movie begins with an aerial shot of San Francisco's skyline. Then we see Manny (Richard Montoya) collecting trash in the barrio of San Francisco. He discovers a mysterious note in the bin, which he is unable to make sense of, but the words "Roberto" and "Laundromat" are written on it. The discovery leads him to Olivia (Veronica Valencia), a new resident who's moved in with her aunt in the neighborhood. She reveals to Manny that Roberto, an essential member of the community, went missing a few weeks ago. As conversations about his disappearance begin to happen, more information is uncovered about the underlying tensions in the community.

The film tackles some of the pressing issues of our time, from gentrification, immigration, and police brutality. The film's cast draws from the neighborhood's Latino/Hispanic roots, which offers authentic representation of the culture and its enduring impact on city life. The partnership between Manny and Olivia makes an unlikely pairing, but their shared dedication to uncover the truth provides a compelling narrative. Throughout their investigation, they find that the gentrification mafia is stealing the barrio's land, using intimidation and violence to force out those who have lived there for generations.

The central character of Manny is the everyman of the story. He represents the unnoticed voices in the fight against gentrification. He spends his days cleaning the streets, and his nights haunting the neighborhood, he takes on this case with a sense of purpose, becoming the village's primary detective. At times, you see the struggle he must face due to his lower economic status and education level. Olivia provides Manny with the legal know-how, but she also struggles with the thought that her voice is not being heard regarding the case. Despite the odds against them, the duo is determined to bring justice to the community and find Roberto.

Another Barrio's pacing is unique, moving at a methodical pace with each interaction providing an intriguing twist. The cinematography captures the essence of the San Francisco neighborhood, rich in detail and textures. The storyline brings out the struggles of the residents and how they have to fight against both the gentrification mafia and the police.

The movie's soundtrack adding to the overall ambiance, showcasing a variety of styles of Latino music, highlighting the area's cultural diversity. The film's music Director, Michaelangelo L'Acqua does an excellent job of featuring local San Francisco musicians Naima Shalhoub, Rupa (the group), and many others.

In the end, Another Barrio is an eye-opening experience that sheds light on the ongoing societal complexities that plague many of America's urban communities. The film is a poignant reminder of the immigration issues and injustices that still plague diverse neighborhoods in many parts of the USA and a call to action for continued resistance. Manny and Olivia embody the difficult challenges that many of the people in these neighborhoods face in their quest for justice. Overall, the film is a compelling investigation of what happens when the underprivileged stand up and say "enough is enough."

Another Barrio is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.