Lingua Franca

Not too many films with an ostensibly social-realist premise can also be lyrical and sensuous. A drama of lingering pauses and silences, ones which bear a heavier emotional weight than what the film explicitly shows or what its characters divulge.

So relevant and poignant. I'm not trans but I could really feel all the pain and stress sandoval comments on not only as a trans woman but an immigrant living in new york city

Writer-Director Isabel Sandoval's personal and intimate drama follows the on-the-edge life of a Transgender Filipina caregiver who becomes involved with the ex-con grandson of the elderly lady she works for.

Erotic, provocative and courageous, she gives a superb performance as the protagonist, an undocumented immigrant struggling to get a Green Card through an arranged/paid marriage, after living in the US illegally for several years.

She inclusively and delicately builds up compassion, tension and suspense around her characters, first observing the emotions and obstacles surging for each of them: the fading memory of grandmother, the effects of on-probation anxiety experienced by Alex and his affecting return and attempts to make it right, the accomplishment of her friend's much-awaited wedding. Despite her hopelessness, Olivia plays a major figure of strength and reliability within, inspiring them to reach for their goals and step forward, while she herself is still dreaming of Mr. Right and mostly running against time, civil laws and bureaucracy to gain rights and freedom.

Nominated for the Queer Lion Award at last year's Venice Film Festival, Sandoval scored a relatable, timely and moving drama.

(Array Releasing. 8/26. Select Theaters and On Netflix.)

Exploring the Consciousness of transsexualism and immigration psychological scars.

"Olivia's secret is hers to keep, it is up to her when she is ready to divulge it to Alex (in fact, she proves her honesty in front of Alex's proposal), whereas Alex is eventually put on his mettle and willing to accept Olivia as who she is, but he makes a prior mistake which turns out to be fatal. Sandoval is so determined to dignify Olivia that even a marriage out of love is unfeasible when it is marred by deceit, which must seem like a mote in Alex's eyes. He deems that he has done a good deed (an entitlement he earns solely by birthright), but Olivia's near silent response is louder than any words."

read my full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks