Watch Mateo

Mateo is an inspiring documentary film that tells the story of a musically gifted man named Matthew Stoneman. Matthew, who is also known as Mateo, is a 56-year-old American living in Los Angeles, who has a passion for Latin American music. Despite growing up in a middle-class family, Mateo pursued a life in music, becoming a troubadour and traveling throughout Latin America for over 15 years.

The film begins with a shot of Mateo playing guitar and singing a song in a prison in Cuba. He has been incarcerated for smuggling drugs and is serving a 20-year sentence. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, which follows Mateo's journey through his past and present life, as well as his quest for redemption.

The documentary is filmed in an observational style, allowing the story of Mateo's life to unfold naturally. Director Aaron Naar skillfully interweaves documentary footage, interviews, and reenactments to tell the story of a complex and fascinating man.

We learn about Mateo's early life, growing up in a family that valued education and hard work. However, Mateo was always drawn to music, and he began playing guitar at a young age. He later dropped out of college to pursue a career in music, traveling throughout Latin America and immersing himself in the culture and language.

Through interviews with family, friends, and bandmates, we learn about Mateo's love for Latin American music and his dedication to learning the language and traditions of the countries he visited. We also learn about his struggles with addiction, which led him down a dark path of crime and imprisonment.

As the film progresses, we see Mateo's transformation from a troubled man to a rediscovery of his talent. Upon his release from prison, Mateo returns to Los Angeles, where he begins to rebuild his life. He reconnects with old friends and bandmates and begins playing music again, albeit in a much different setting than before.

Through his music, Mateo finds peace and purpose. He begins performing at local bars, and his talent is recognized by a producer who helps him record an album. As his career takes off, Mateo embarks on a journey of self-discovery, coming to terms with his past mistakes and finding a new sense of meaning in life.

One of the most striking elements of Mateo is the way it chronicles the complexities of the human experience. Through Mateo's story, Naar explores issues of identity, addiction, redemption, and cultural appropriation. The film raises important questions about the role of white Americans in Latin American music and culture, and the impact that their presence can have on the people and communities they encounter.

Overall, Mateo is a deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary that offers a window into the life of a unique and talented individual. Through its honest portrayal of Mateo's journey, the film encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make, as well as the power of music to heal and transform us.

Mateo is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 60.