Tótem

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1:59

Tótem

2024,

1h 35m,

Drama

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97%

75 Reviews

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Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

75 Reviews

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In a bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party for her father, Tona, led by her mother, aunts and other relatives. As the day goes on, building to an event both anticipated and dreaded, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year and watches as her family does the same. This poignant and emotionally expansive film from Lila Avilés (The Chambermaid) cements her skill at directing dynamic ensemble performances in her stunning sophomore effort.

Critics Consensus

A heartfelt film that tells a poignant story without straying into sentimentality, Tótem is a life-affirming triumph for writer-director Lila Avilés.

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Stephen Romei

The Australian

Aug 7, 2024

Mesmerising, beautiful, sad and hopeful all at once.

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Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

Mar 20, 2024

3.5/4

It’s difficult to make this sort of film, in which nothing of great dramatic import happens on screen, but Avilés has an ace up her sleeve: Sentíes, a first-time actor who carries the movie on her quietly expressive face.

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Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

Feb 20, 2024

Confirms Avilés as a great creator of realistic situations while not having to resort to artifice to move the viewer. [Full review in Spanish]

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William Stottor

Loud and Clear Reviews

Sep 3, 2024

4/5

Lila Avilés’ second feature, Tótem, is an expertly crafted family drama that finds human connection and clashes within confined interiors.

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Cris Kennedy

Inner East Review

Aug 14, 2024

4/5

Avilés slowly builds a very powerful film, inviting us inside this home and allowing us to quietly care for her subjects while allowing us to come to our own conclusions about the spiritual or ethical motivations of each.

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Kristian M. Lin

Fort Worth Weekly

Mar 18, 2024

The gradual accretion of detail and the casual sketches of the various party guests are the mark of a master.

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Lila Avilés

Director

Naíma Sentíes

Sol

Montserrat Marañón

Nuria

Marisol Gasé

Alejandra

Saori Gurza

Ester

Mateo Garcia

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Tótem: Trailer 1

1:59

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Synopsis

In a bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party for her father, Tona, led by her mother, aunts and other relatives. As the day goes on, building to an event both anticipated and dreaded, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year and watches as her family does the same. This poignant and emotionally expansive film from Lila Avilés (The Chambermaid) cements her skill at directing dynamic ensemble performances in her stunning sophomore effort.

Director: Lila Avilés
Producer: Louise Riousse, Lila Avilés, Tatiana Graullera
Screenwriter: Lila Avilés
Distributor: Sideshow / Janus Films
Production Co: Limerencia Films, Paloma Productions, Alpha Violet Production, Laterna
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 26, 2024, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $100.2K
Runtime: 1h 35m

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