It's remarkable how setbacks can sometimes lead to positive outcomes; those difficulties often create opportunities, even when it doesn't appear that way initially. But do we always recognize these kinds of developments? That’s the experience for Alejandro Martinez (Julio Torres), a young, hopeful, creative Salvadoran toy designer who moves to New York seeking employment in an incubator program at a large American toy company. To apply for the position, he needs to be physically present, which means securing a work visa that would allow him to stay long enough to make his presentation. That possibility seems to disappear when he loses his job curating clients at a cryogenics firm. Fortunately, as he's leaving that workplace, he meets and becomes friends with an eccentric art critic (Tilda Swinton) who is upset about how the cryogenics company is handling the care of her deceased partner (RZA), a unique artist known for his egg paintings. To fund the curation of the painter’s work, she wants to organize an exhibition but needs assistance, which is where Alejandro comes in. He offers to help with setting up the show in exchange for her sponsorship so he can get another work visa and remain in the US. It sounds like a simple arrangement, but it turns out to be anything but, as he embarks on a bizarre adventure filled with unusual personal and professional events, many of them absurd and funny yet surprisingly helpful. This first feature film from actor-writer-director Torres tells an unconventional but humorous and insightful story about dedication, self-reliance, and creativity, populated by memorable characters and mysterious circumstances. The film’s inventive production design, imaginative camera work, and inclusion of dreamlike and symbolic scenes make for a distinctive and enjoyable experience, a noteworthy debut from the former Saturday Night Live writer. Although there are moments when the storyline feels excessively pleased with itself, most of the movie stays on track and features strong performances by Torres, Swinton, and several supporting actors. “Problemista” was initially planned for release in summer 2023 but was postponed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. However, as this charmingly odd film demonstrates, the delay proved worthwhile, just as it often does for those who face numerous obstacles on their path to success. If you appreciate unconventional humor, like I do, you’ll enjoy this one; it's a captivating story that both informs and amuses while providing plenty of food for thought.

Source on TMDB