“Problemista” is a Joyful Soup for the Artist’s Soul
Let Julio Torres’ “Problemista” shower you in its surreal depiction of our very real struggles.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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“Problemista” Plot Summary
If you like rich colors, un-slinkable slinkies, and people who magically poof into nothingness when deported, then allow me to introduce you to the world of “Problemista.” Written and directed by Julio Torres, “Problemista” keeps a sharp critique that any financially struggling person can empathize with while still maintaining its joy and whimsy for life. In a world of increasingly absurd miseries, “Problemista” can make us cringe, cry, and laugh, as these misfortunes are universal.
“Problemista” is set in present-day New York City, but its protagonist, Alejandro (Julio Torres), risks being deported back to El Salvador if he doesn’t get his work visa approved. Alejandro is new to New York, and after his mom’s fantastical stories and ceaseless support, Alejandro often finds his dreams unvalidated and his surroundings quite harsh in the big city. As an aspiring toy maker, Alejandro just can’t seem to muster confidence or intrigue in what he’s offering (such as a toy truck with a flat tire). But when he meets Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), his luck changes—arguably for the better and worse.
Elizabeth is an art critic who takes a liking to Alejandro. She’s also a waking nightmare, more beast than person, and she’s ready and willing to lash out at any person who disagrees with her. Imagine someone who invokes so much fear that no one wants to tell her when she’s keeping her phone flashlight on; that’s Elizabeth. But Alejandro and Elizabeth see something in each other, and Elizabeth might be Alejandro’s last hope of staying in the United States. When he offers to help curate her art show, Elizabeth agrees that she might sponsor his visa in return. The challenge becomes whether the two can tolerate each other long enough before chaos reigns.
“Problemista” is smart without being smarmy and magical without ever being easy in its solutions. Early on, Torres’ Alejandro laments about toys these days being too fun, yet the movie is filled with the type of clever amusement that some may see as making light of very real problems. While “Problemista” is ambitious and critiques and takes a satirical nibble out of many systems, it’s not a movie to find insights into these systems. What Torres would rather convey is the complicated totality of people and their relationships within these systems. There is empathy for the monsters in the stories we tell, too.
Content Information
“Problemista” is rated R due to profanity, smoking, drinking, and some sexual content, including sex work.
Other noteworthy information
- Julio Torres writes, stars, and directs “Problemista.” He is also known for his writing credits on “Saturday Night Live” and “Los Espookys.”
“Problemista” General Information
| Director | Julio Torres |
| Screenplay By | Julio Torres |
| Date Released | March 1, 2024 |
| How To Watch | In Theaters |
| Genre(s) | Comedy |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 38 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated R |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Alejandro | Julio Torres |
| Elizabeth | Tilda Swinton |
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Alejandro (Julio Torres)
Alejandro is best described as a gentle bird. He never wants to ruffle anyone’s feathers and is agreeable to a fault. Yet he’s no stranger to struggle, and wants his toys to teach others about life’s struggles.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Los Espookys.”
Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton)
Elizabeth seems to be a constant whirlwind of emotion. She speaks her mind without fear or care for how anyone perceives her. As a grieving widow, she wants to honor her late artist husband. But as an authoritative figure, she abuses this power towards anyone who may stand in her way.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
“Problemista” Review
Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)
Let us know your thoughts in the comments:
- What do you think of “Problemista”? What did it do well, and what would you have liked to change?
Highlights
Whimsical Art Design and Color Palette Create a Playful Atmosphere
Many scenes in “Problemista” feel straight out of a storybook or distant childhood memory. Giant hourglasses, endless mazes, and brightly colored backdrops make you want to play in this world too. From Elizabeth’s striking pink hair to the lush greenery of El Salvador, “Problemista” is as intriguing as the toys that Alejandro creates.
Surrealist Satire Is Still Relatable
There’s a human manifestation of Craigslist within “Problemista” that features Larry Owens as the sinister website. The bureaucracy of our government, banks, the art world, and the gig economy are all entwined and satirized in “Problemista.” While this may sound like a lot to chew on, any person who has to live out on their own for the first time can understand that these issues are all connected today. “Problemista” may make you laugh in their depiction, but that’s only because they make so many people cry in real life.
Good If You Like
- Surreal comedies, A24 movies, and fantastical satires.
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