Watch Margarita

Margarita is a quirky and heartwarming Canadian dramedy from 2012 directed by Dominique Cardona and Laurie Colbert. The movie follows the story of a young Mexican nanny, Margarita (Nicola Correia-Damude), who has been working for a wealthy Canadian family for over a decade. She has become an integral part of the family, taking care of the two young children and being a companion to the busy mother, Jane (Claire Lautier). However, when the family faces financial difficulties, they must let Margarita go, which sets off a chain of events that will change all of their lives.

Margarita is a relatable and likable character who is fiercely loyal to the family she has been working for. She is hardworking, kind, and always ready to lend a helping hand. When she learns that she is going to lose her job, she is devastated but determined to find a way to stay and continue to take care of the children she has grown to love.

The movie explores themes of immigration, class, and family dynamics, all through the lens of Margarita's experiences. Margarita is an undocumented worker, and her status becomes a source of tension throughout the movie. She is constantly aware of the possibility of deportation and the challenges she faces as an immigrant. But she is also aware of the opportunities her job has given her and the love she has for the family she works for.

One of the strengths of Margarita is how it avoids stereotypes and presents complex characters. Jane, for example, is a successful businesswoman and mother, but she is also flawed and struggling to balance all aspects of her life. Similarly, Margarita's relationship with the two children she takes care of is not always straightforward. She has to navigate the boundaries and the dynamics of the family, which are not always clear-cut.

The movie also features a strong supporting cast, including Patrick McKenna as the family's lawyer and Margarita's confidant. He helps her navigate the legal system and offers her much-needed support.

One of the highlights of Margarita is the way it balances humor and drama. The movie has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but it also deals with some heavy issues. The tone is never heavy-handed, however, and the directors manage to strike a balance between the serious and the lighthearted.

Finally, the movie's score is noteworthy for its use of Latin-American music, which adds to the atmosphere and helps to create a sense of place. The setting of Toronto is also used effectively, with the city's multiculturalism and diversity being showcased through various scenes.

Overall, Margarita is a heartwarming and engaging movie that explores important themes through the lens of a relatable and likable main character. It manages to avoid stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrayal of the complex dynamics of a family and an undocumented worker. It is a must-watch for fans of indie cinema and those interested in immigration and class issues.

Margarita is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.