The journey can teach you a lot about life; and for a few, it just becomes life. Cinema has often used the subject of journey to form stories. In contrast, many of the stories inspire us, yet some do the opposite. Some journey stories touch upon reality, the reality we know but to which we close our eyes. The film “Identifying Features” (“Sin señas particulares,” original title) talks about such a journey.
The story is set in Guanajuato, Mexico where Jesús (Juan Jesús Varela) mentions to his mother Magdalena (Mercedes Hernández) that he is going to the United States—along with his friend—as there are better job opportunities there. As time passes, Magdalena waits but does not hear anything from his son, which keeps her worried, so she decides to venture out on a journey to find out what happened to her son. She does not find a photo of Jesús, but on her way, she spots a friend of her son, whose mother has been avoiding the pictures, as she knows what has happened to his son. Magdalena makes it her expedition to uncover the truth, wherever these explorations may take her, and does not mind the agony that may come from the knowing.
On her way, she gets to see that she is not the only one who has lost someone close; she comes to a doctor who was in a similar position to her a few years ago. The doctor receives a phone call to inform her that her own son died two weeks ago whom she thought died long back.
Later, Magdalena meets with Miguel (David Illescas), a deportee from the States who reminds her of her son, which connects. This journey a mother takes out of endearment, despite the likelihood facing her, is daunting. Did her boy die on the way to desert, or did the Cartel got hold of him? Is the government making her believe in accepting his son’s dismissal, sight unseen, or are they trying to cover up unclaimed bodies? The answer lies in the journey of the story.
“Identifying Features” is directed and co-written by Fernanda Valadez along with Astrid Rodero. Speaking of the script’s writing, both writers perfectly balance this substantial and tense drama by splashing the exceptional naturalism and ethereal representations within. As with many feature films made in an indistinguishable manner, the story-moving and establishment are very accordant, and do not depend on the acceleration of dramatization to capture in the narrative.
David Illescas in a scene from “Identifying Features” (Avanti Pictures, 2020).
Speaking of the direction, the frequent use of pixilation is not an exceptionally comprehensive visual ornamentation. Still, it is pleasing to gaze at, and elicits the segregation of the individuals we are following. The techniques metaphorically speak for the scarcity of certitude the characters have of what inspires them to mitigate the visual around them.
As the first feature of Director Valadez, the film is exceptionally and skilled. The production is entirely about connections between a mother and a stranger who feels like her lost son, which becomes the focus extremity. The scenes between Magdalena and other outsiders—either vague or supportive—are with stories and experiences and a look of ache and hankering.
The cinematography of Claudia Becerril Bulos is pleasing; she captures each frame beautifully. Clarice Jensen’s music is also stunning; it gives the narrative the needed aching actuality, one that feels impertinently soaked in shred, distress, and captions. The leading cast of Mercedes Hernández and David Illescas, and the supporting cast, is realistic and astonishing. “Identifying Features” is stoical, as it takes us to the pressure and time of the scenario. We feel deeply for them, and when the truth comes, no matter how painful it is, it will come out.
“Identifying Features” is a realistic drama filled with rich and stunning visuals. This film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. It won the ‘Audience Award’ and a ‘Best Screenplay’ award at Sundance, and was nominated for a ‘Grand Jury Prize’ at World Cinema – Dramatic. The story talks about something we don’t pay much attention to, and the film is backed by fantastic direction and performances. It’s a must-watch, and something one should not miss out on.
*No streaming options are currently available for this film.
