Streaming Film - Identifying Features

“Identifying Features” is a compelling drama about a woman who tries to find her son's whereabouts after he leaves Mexico to find work in the United States. Middle-aged Magdalena (Mercedes Hernandez) has lost contact with her son after he took off with a friend from their town of Guanajuato to cross the border into the U.S. Desperate to find out what happened to him - and to know whether or not he’s even alive - she embarks on an ever-expanding and increasingly dangerous journey to discover the truth. At the same time, a young man named Miguel (David Illescas) has returned to Mexico after being deported from the U.S., and eventually his path converges with Magdalena’s. From this simple but urgent premise, director Fernanda Valadez has crafted a lyrical, suspenseful slow burn, equally constructed of moments of beauty and horror, and which leads to a startling, shattering conclusion. Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Audience and Screenplay Awards at the Sundance Film Festival. [2020, Mexico, 94 min, Rated: NR, Spanish with English subtitles]. Anjana Janardhan of “Sight & Sound” writes, “Combines stunning cinematography, evocative sound design and hints of magical realism to create a visionary work of devastating power." Ricardo Gallegos of “La Estatuilla” exclaims, “A masterpiece and an indispensable tale of violence and migration that portrays the harsh reality in Mexico.” Venue: Rehoboth Beach Film Society.