I Carry You with Me

As already pointed out, this is a good and interesting hybrid documentary-feature film based on a true story, where the real subjects of the drama, the Mexican gay couple Ivan and Gerardo, appear alongside the actors. The film is an intimate portrait of the personal sacrifices that immigrants endure in order to realize their American dream. Intertwined scenes from the present and the past require from the viewer a certain level of concentration.

P. S. It's not a classic LGBT+ movie and apart from a couple of male kisses there's nothing provocative for the wider audience. The provocation here exists but it is clearly of social and political nature!

A young Mexican finds himself a boyfriend, but when his family finds out, he is denied access to his young son, given his work of low status and pay. He decides to find success as a chef by crossing illegally to the U. S. Decades later, he realizes that all his success may not reunite him with his son.

This is based on a real story, directed by a documentary filmmaker. So I was surprised that it was given a very non-linear treatment. Starting in approximately "present day", it is told in multiple interwoven flashbacks. There is the child, the young man in Mexico and U. S., scenes from his rise in the U,S., and "today". Switching back and forth, it was fairly demanding for the viewer to keep track of when the event was. For a non-Spanish-speaking audience, this was in addition to keeping up with the subtitles.

I expect some viewers will see this thru a political lens. Does an illegal who succeeds deserve some form of permanent residency, even if it is not a path to citizenship?

A fascinating hybrid of narrative and documentary, Heidi Ewing's 'I Carry You with Me' is a devastatingly gorgeous and ultimately hopeful love story with a powerful political point. Armando Espitia and Christian Vázquez deliver beautiful performances. A compelling romance but it really unfolds into a vital call for US immigration reform.

IN BRIEF: A gay love story that intertwines with the perils of illegal immigration.

Heidi Ewing's I Carry You With Me (Te Llevo Conmigo) is a tame telling of gay love that spans a decade. We witness Iván (Armando Espitia) meeting Gerardo (Christian Vázquez) at a gay bar and sense their instant attraction. The film flashes back and forth as it shows familial and cultural pressures placed upon these two gay men as they both dream of a better life.

Based on a true story, the movie shows their quest for the American Dream as the lovers are separated on their journey. Ms. Ewing has a strong commitment to this tale and, at times, gets caught up in her political message. Still she forcefully depicts the immigration hardships and homophobia that many face in their daily lives across the border and in our country as well.

The two lead actors are quite convincing in their roles and add much to their characters sketchy parts. One wishes the filmmakers had the courage and boldness to depict some sexual scenes before "tastefully" cutting away from those moments. But the bigger misstep is whenever the film flashes forward and has other actors assume the central roles as an older Iván and Gerardo. It is then that the impact of that relationship is lost and fragmented.

Still, the film impresses with its message of diversity and acceptance. (GRADE: B-)

Based on a true story. Quite interesting at the beginning but already boring later. They had to cut things to make it faster. The shots were nice and well done. The message was clear, let you live and Live for your dreams fight for them.