As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for poignant dramas that tug at the heartstrings without resorting to excessive melodrama, “Beloved Tropic” has left quite an indelible impression on me. The tender yet complex relationship between Mechi and Ana Maria, two women bound by circumstance yet finding solace in each other’s company, is a testament to the power of empathy and understanding.
In “Beloved Tropic,” during an uncommon instance of insight, Mechi (Paulina Garcia) shares with Ana Maria (Jenny Navarrete) that being a mother won’t shield you from any difficulties, as she struggles with the onset of dementia. Their bond is formed due to Ana Maria’s vulnerable situation, being a pregnant caregiver for Mechi and needing a stable job to reside in Panama after leaving Colombia three years prior. The nurse believes that a child could provide help if their immigration paperwork isn’t processed. However, in director Ana Endara’s heartwarming drama, the characters discover a sanctuary where they least anticipate it.
In a heartwarming blend of traditional and contemporary elements, reminiscent of the hidden beauty of orchids blooming among shrubs in Mechi’s garden, “Beloved Tropic” begins with Jimena (Juliette Roy), Mechi’s daughter, extending a seemingly modest offer to Ana Maria: $140 per week for an eight-hour workday. The proposal comes with the additional appeal that if things go well, her lawyers will assist with Ana Maria’s immigration matters. Though Ana Maria never appears overly eager to accept, she frequently brings up the subject of papers and her concern can be seen in her swelling stomach. Interestingly, this stomach is later revealed to be a false one. However, an unexpected advantage arises when Ana Maria’s 16 years of caring for the elderly resonate with Mechi, softening her previously cold heart towards caretakers who had struggled before her. As a self-made businesswoman, Mechi inhabits a different world, not just due to her deteriorating mental health but also because her life has been insulated by wealth.
Jimena extends a full-time job offer to Ana Maria due to her deteriorating health rather than their strong bond, reflective of the unique relationship Mechi shares with her children, who have used their wealth to create distance, leaving only the maid Cristina behind. Although stories about caregivers softening the hearts of difficult seniors are common, Endara and co-writer Pilar Moreno find this premise intriguing as it delves into a relationship dynamic that isn’t necessarily maternal or friendly but remains profoundly significant. In time, Mechi can provide as much comfort to Ana Maria as she receives when both feel lost, disconnected from their biological families. However, Ana Maria must first pass Mechi’s tests, as her mind has become more forgetful, yet she still retains her sharp intellect.
In this film, García and Navarrete deliver captivating performances that keep the movie from becoming overly somber. However, Endara’s dedication to exploring themes beyond just the relationship between Mechi and Ana Maria sometimes introduces unnecessary subplots. For instance, Ana Maria’s visits alone to a maternity clinic for pretense purposes feel forced and seem to be more about driving the story forward than being organic. This becomes even more noticeable as Endara skillfully delves into his characters’ thoughts and portrays their surroundings. Yet, there are moments when Ana Maria is reminded of her past in Colombia through the sound of the sea, or when Mechi’s condition is reflected in the expressions of those who knew her before. In these instances, “Beloved Tropic” avoids melodrama by emphasizing a tranquility that its characters eventually find in each other. It’s especially moving to see Endara evoke a sense of peace for the audience when the characters themselves seem unable to find it.
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2024-09-14 03:18