Watch Our Mothers

Our Mothers is a poignant drama film that brings viewers into the world of Guatemala's indigenous people, through the eyes of an individual searching for answers about his past. The movie, directed by Belgian-Guatemalan filmmaker César Díaz, takes a deep dive into the painful and complicated history of the Central American country, exploring the traumatic legacy of the civil war that lasted from 1960 to 1996.

At the center of the story is Ernesto, a young anthropologist who grew up in Canada with his mother, but whose father disappeared during the war. Ernesto is passionate about his research into the Mayan communities in Guatemala, which have been ravaged by the violence and trauma of the armed conflict. His work brings him into contact with survivors of the war, particularly women who lost their husbands, children or entire families.

As Ernesto delves deeper into his research, he unearths painful secrets about his family and his father's disappearance. At the same time, he becomes deeply involved with one of the women he meets, a Mayan midwife named Nicolasa, who becomes a surrogate mother figure for him. Together, they navigate the emotional terrain of their shared history, as they seek to come to terms with the deep wounds that have been inflicted on their people.

The film is a powerful exploration of the themes of trauma, loss, and memory, and the ways in which these experiences shape our identities and our relationships with others. It also sheds light on the struggles of indigenous communities in Guatemala, whose stories have been largely silenced and ignored in the mainstream media. The Mayan women, in particular, are central to the narrative, as they are portrayed as the heart and soul of their communities, the keepers of their culture, and the primary caregivers for their families.

Armando Espitia delivers a remarkable performance as Ernesto, conveying a sense of deep sadness and longing that is palpable throughout the film. Emma Dib is equally impressive as Nicolasa, a woman who exudes a quiet strength and resilience in the face of immense suffering. Together, their chemistry on screen is electric, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and share moments of deep vulnerability and tenderness.

The movie is shot in a way that is both realistic and poetic, with stunning cinematography that captures the natural beauty of Guatemala's landscapes and the nuances of its people. The sound design makes use of ambient noise and music to create a sense of place and mood, adding to the immersive experience of the film.

All in all, Our Mothers is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that confronts some of the most pressing issues of our times, from the legacy of colonization and violence to the resilience of human spirit and the power of memory. It is a testament to the transformative power of art, and a tribute to the courage of those who have survived great adversity.

Our Mothers is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 59.