The director’s debut feature arrived from Guatemala and was chosen to be its country’s submission for the Oscars in 2016, though it didn’t advance. The story is based on a true account of a small Mayan family living near an active volcano while working on a coffee plantation. It's a stark portrayal of hardship seen through the eyes of a teenager. The film explores the period between childhood and adulthood, and how a lack of understanding about the world can leave people vulnerable to manipulation. I did enjoy the movie, without question. However, my initial reaction wasn’t positive. I strongly dislike films that depict cruelty toward animals—it doesn't matter if they are livestock or wild creatures, with the exception of nature documentaries made without human involvement. So, it began with a significant aversion to the film. I was unsure whether I would even write about it. But the later parts of the movie changed my mind; I wasn’t expecting that. Ultimately, I felt what could have been an excellent film was reduced to just above average because of one problematic scene. The narrative centers on Maria, a seventeen-year-old girl who is promised to someone working in the city. She desires to leave her home and country for the United States, and this longing coincides with her awakening sexuality. A relationship develops between her and a young man from the plantation, leading to serious repercussions. The family faces numerous obstacles that they must overcome. How they prepare for these challenges and what other difficulties arise are revealed as the story unfolds. > ❝He's probably living in the United States in a big house with a garden, like those in the magazine. He must speak English by now.❞ The film sheds light on how impoverished and uneducated people can be easily misled. The depiction of the indigenous Guatemalan people was striking. While the girl made a mistake, I was surprised by her family’s reaction—it wasn't what I anticipated given their cultural background. I honestly thought it might evolve into a thriller, especially toward the end. However, the film remained primarily a drama focused on finding solutions as events progressed, and a misunderstanding created further complications for the family. The film was nearing its conclusion when an unexpected development occurred. It’s a moment where desperation takes over. Suddenly, everything is resolved, but whether it's a positive or negative outcome can only be known by watching the movie. Like the filmmaker, the cast consisted of mostly new faces. The plot appears straightforward, but the challenge lay in its execution, which the actors and crew handled exceptionally well. The original Mayan title "Ixcanul" means volcano, though the director explained that it more accurately signifies a force on the verge of eruption. This is one of the first Guatemalan films I’ve seen, and I am very impressed with the story, acting, locations, and overall quality. It's not just a film festival piece; it’s comparable to Hollywood or other world cinema that deserves recognition as a good movie. If you are tired of watching typical movies, this offers a refreshing change—a different language, setting, but a situation every culture and ethnicity has encountered, allowing viewers to see how these people confront it. It shares similarities with the film 'Tanna,' but isn’t entirely the same. Aside from the opening sequence I criticized, this is worth checking out. I hesitate to call it recommended, though! _7/10_

Source on TMDB