Inspired by the graphic novel by the Colombian-Ecuadorian illustrator Power Paola, and directed by Santiago Caicedo, Tropical Virus shows us the life of the Gaviria family, seen from the perspective of the smallest member. From her unexpected birth, to the inevitable journey to reside in another country, our protagonist will face a series of events that will change her perception of the world that surrounds her.
At first, we came across a film that at a technical level may seem a little weak, although stylistically successful. The designs of characters and decorations transmit the essence of the original artwork, which with a mixture of affection and criticism presents the emotional impressions of what was the Quito and Cali of that time; however, the rhythm of the film is hampered by trying to include too many narrative elements, dialogues that do not flow freely, and an ending that leaves a lot to the imagination, denoting a lack of experience in the medium of animation in feature film format.
Even so, this cinematographic work offers a breath of fresh air to our billboard, as it is a foreign film (not American), animated, and with a female vision, which also touches on topics such as distance, coming of age, and the search of independence, in a way so close to our country.
Tropical Virus puts us in contact with an alien mind, whose life is so different and at the same time so similar to ours. A young spirit film that invites us to witness a nostalgic portrait of a broken family.
