‘A Poet’ Review: Simón Mesa Soto Crafts a Hilariously Absurdist Fable About Trying to Lead an Artistic Life

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Despite the poetic connotation of its title, “A Poet” by Colombian director Simón Mesa Soto feels more like a whimsical yarn than a visual sonnet. This film, which bagged the jury prize in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes Film festival, offers a humorous take on the struggles of leading a creative life while struggling to make ends meet. The mood oscillates between the absurd, the grave, and the satirical, but surprisingly, Soto manages to blend these disparate elements seamlessly with a deft touch and meticulous storytelling. What’s remarkable is that this film is both amusing and heart-wrenching, making “A Poet” all the more impressive.

The movie, situated in Medellín, focuses on Oscar Restrepo (played by Ubeimar Rios), a poet who published two books at the start of his adult years. At middle age, Oscar finds himself jobless, divorced, and residing with his aging mother. Soto paints a picture of this character through some comical episodes. He’s seen getting drunk and arguing heatedly with friends over who is the superior Colombian poet. His sister urges him to find employment, bluntly informing him that he may become homeless upon their mother’s demise. His teenage daughter is mortified when he drops by at her school.

At a cultural event where he was meant to read his poetry, he unfortunately embarrasses himself by showing up drunk and launching into a rant about the struggles of being an artist. Despite finding his antics amusing, the audience also gains a deeper understanding of Oscar as a lonely, flawed individual who cherishes the women in his life and follows his own ethical code. While Oscar can be inflexible and difficult, he seems to have a clear sense of how his life ought to have unfolded. Unfortunately, he struggles to maintain friendships or earn a living.

Meet Yurlady (Rebecca Andrade), a teenage girl who crosses paths with Oscar when he accepts a part-time teaching position at a high school. She is not only a student but also a gifted writer, as evidenced by the clear and captivating prose she produces. Intrigued by her talent, Oscar decides to guide her literary growth in hopes of reclaiming his former success. However, Yurlady hails from a financially struggling family, which means that she is more focused on finding ways to help her loved ones rather than pursuing poetry as a career. If writing could offer a path out of poverty, then she would consider it seriously. Otherwise, she prefers spending her time decorating her nails.

The satirical aspect of “A Poet” is evident when Oscar secures a position for Yurlady at an elite poetry school, where the administrators and financiers become enamored with her. They attempt to transform this young Black woman from modest beginnings into their symbol, exploiting her for publicity and donations. This satire of art institutions and the people associated with them resonates. Soto’s keen perspective unmasks these charlatans: self-proclaimed artists who claim mentorship roles, wealthy art patrons who manipulate their wealth and influence to gain access and present themselves as part of the art world, and white and foreign patrons who seek to appear progressive by backing the work of artists of color.

Despite his harsh observations, Soto continually examines the evolving bond between Yurlady and Oscar. Despite their mismatched expectations of each other, they somehow forge a connection. Yurlady has no interest in poetry, while Oscar is far from an effective mentor; he’s also known as the most unfortunate man on earth, as things tend to go awry whenever he’s involved. The intriguing dynamic between the main characters propels the film forward, whether it’s through humorous or heartfelt scenes. The movie skillfully combines these contrasting elements, offering both amusement and touching emotional moments for the audience.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but feel like I’m watching a true-to-life account of Oscar’s story instead of a scripted drama, thanks to Rios’ exceptional portrayal. His voice and unique facial expressions perfectly capture the complexities of Oscar’s character, revealing both his admirable and less tolerable traits. It’s truly remarkable that both Rios and Andrade, who are not professionally trained actors, manage to deliver such authentic performances. Soto’s masterful direction is evident in this, showcasing a deep understanding of the film’s essence. Their natural screen presence is captivating, making it hard to believe they aren’t living these roles.

Filmed in a vintage, grainy style by cinematographer Juan Sarmiento G., “A Poet” has an ageless aesthetic that accentuates its imaginative storyline. The music composed by Trio Ramberget and Matti Bye often swells dramatically to underscore the film’s absurdity, yet it also softens to provide gentle emotional resonance. These various aspects harmoniously blend together, creating a distinctly captivating cinematic journey that elevates Soto’s work.

Soto, who has previously garnered recognition at Cannes with a short film Palme d’Or in 2014 for “Leidi” and an award at Critics’ Week for his 2021 feature debut “Amparo,” once again demonstrates the promise those accolades foreshadowed.

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2025-05-25 12:16