The Garden Left Behind

What a hidden gem! Do not miss this amazing film. Beautifully written, shot, directed and acted. I did not know what to expect when I started watching and the film truly blew me away. I learned so much and it touched my heart and soul.

Brazilian filmmaker, Flavio Alves enlisted an ensemble from emerging Latinx actor, Carlie Guevara to Veteran Latina actor, Miriam Cruz portraying Mexican immigrants in the independent film, "The Garden Left Behind" (2019).

This film had a grounded agenda to showcase a humane telling of a Gen Zer seeking their independence. The main character, "Tina" (born "Antonio") helmed by Guevara seeks transition (male to female) but also concerned with the dilemma of supporting their immigrant Mexican grandmother (Miriam Cruz as "Eliana") as an undocumented New York City (NYC) worker. This film also stars established actors Ed Asner (famous from the 70s Mary Tyler Moore show) and Michael Madsen.

The thematic interplay of battling transphobia and seeking "resident" status is balanced out well. The performances of cast, break the usual tropes in how trans characters have been seen within the last 20 years in independent cinema. Notable recent independent films that can be seen at least for Trans Latinx representation is "Gun Hill Road" (2011) that starred "La Bamba" famed castmember, Esai Morales.

Alves's chosen location shots were relatively supportive of an undocumented life in an urban environment. It's also depicts community activism for the largely ignored situation that "Trans Lives Matter" and the importance for NYC's recent Trans Latinx hate crime awareness.

The Writer & Director work is noteworthy! A fresh scenario and epilogue with sublime cinematography sprinkled throughout the movie.

This is a very engaging story about a transgender woman whose life is filled with obstacles. I really feel for Tina. It's a heavy watch.

Anyone who consumes film to be informed, educated, inspired, as well as to be entertained; who has an empathetic heart, a love of people (however they identify), a faith in fairness, of justice and of equality can't fail to be affected by the story and performances presented here. It has its faults and shortcomings, its not the best film you'll see this year, occasionally the grass ceases to grow - but none of that is due to the orientation of any of the characters, who bravely bring to your attention the challenges they face, just for being themselves, just for living their lives and for just wanting to be accepted for who they truly are and want to be.