The saying “no good deed goes unpunished” feels particularly relevant when considering Oscar Restrepo's (Ubeimar Rios) situation. This modestly talented poet faces numerous difficulties, but much of his hardship seems to stem from his own actions; he resists compromise and stubbornly avoids choices that could ease his life. He’s struggling financially while living with his aging mother (Margarita Soto), and his relationship with his college-age daughter (Alisson Correa) is strained because she views him as a failure. Oscar also repeatedly asks the publishers of his previously released poetry books (Guillermo Cardona, Humberto Restrepo) for more promotion, believing it's essential not only for his visibility but also for society’s betterment. Adding to these challenges, he battles with alcohol. Despite attempts at improvement, this “sad poet” – or perhaps more accurately a “sad sack” – sees little progress in any area of his life. Cornered by circumstance, he reluctantly accepts a teaching job, viewing it as a concession of his artistic principles. However, while working, he discovers a student named Yurlady (Rebeca Andrade), a 15-year-old from a disadvantaged background with genuine poetic talent. Oscar wants to nurture her abilities and secure her place in the poetry school run by his publishers, which would give her exposure and potentially lead to a prize. This also offers him a chance to experience success through her that he hasn’t achieved himself. His plan seems reasonable on the surface, but as the opening line suggests, things tend to go wrong, especially for someone who believes they are destined for misfortune. Throughout Oscar's struggles, there’s an undercurrent of wry humor that ironically confirms his negative self-perception. It’s a story of persistent bad luck, not just in situations where he sabotages himself, but also when he tries to do something good. He’s genuinely unfortunate, eliciting sympathy, though more akin to a sad clown than a tragic figure – someone easy to laugh with, rather than at. Even during his most difficult moments, viewers find themselves rooting for him, hoping he'll eventually discover happiness and fulfillment in his life and work. Writer-director Simón Mesa Soto has crafted an inspired film, earning numerous awards and nominations from festivals and competitions, including the 2025 Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and a nomination for Best International Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards. Despite this recognition, “A Poet” remains a hidden gem, boasting gentle humor, strong performances, and an evocative soundtrack that are all worth experiencing. Even if poetry isn’t typically your preference, the filmmaker has managed to make it a warm and enjoyable experience. Give this film a chance; you won't regret it.

Source on TMDB