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A Fragmented Narrative of Dislocation and Search for Identity

Diego Luna's Evolving Directorial Vision and Recent Works

Director Diego Luna has explored various cinematic territories, beginning with the promising 2011 tragicomedy "Abel," which subtly critiqued Mexican societal norms. His 2014 project, "Cesar Chavez," a biographical drama, faced controversy due to later allegations against its subject. Subsequently, his 2016 film "Mr. Pig," a road-trip story starring Danny Glover and Maya Rudolph, seemed to vanish from public memory.

"Ashes": A Disjointed Immigrant Character Study

Luna's fourth feature, "Ashes," is critically described as failing to elevate his directorial path. Based on Brenda Navarro's well-received novel, the film is an intimate character study, yet its minimalist and fragmented style often lacks the narrative cohesion needed to engage viewers or foster emotional connection with its characters. Despite aiming for a poignant mood, the film's subdued vitality leads one to question if Luna's acting talents might be better utilized.

Blurry Timelines and Obscure Settings: A Narrative Challenge

The film's pacing is frequently interrupted by abrupt transitions, making its timeline and geographical context often ambiguous. Many audience members may find themselves spending a significant portion of the film attempting to understand the relationships between the characters.

Lucila's Journey: Abandonment and Responsibility

The story begins with Lucila, portrayed compellingly by Anna Díaz, being awakened by her mother, Isabel. Isabel (Adriana Paz) leaves for Spain, entrusting Lucila with the care of her younger brother, Diego. Lucila later follows her mother to Madrid from Mexico City, bringing Diego along.

Struggles in a New Land: Nannying, Rebellion, and Betrayal

Compelled to support her family, Lucila takes on a nannying job for the infant son of a demanding architect (Irene Escolar). Simultaneously, she grapples with the increasing challenges posed by her brother Diego, whose aggressive behavior threatens his schooling. In a quest for independence, Lucila impulsively joins her friend Jimena (Laura Gómez) in Barcelona. There, she begins a relationship with an English musician (Charlie Rowe), concealing her work in elder care and food delivery. Feeling neglected by their mother and abandoned by Lucila, Diego reappears in Barcelona, eventually confronting Lucila with the accusation that she has become just like their mother.

The Crumbling World and a Return to Roots

Lucila's life in Barcelona deteriorates when she can no longer afford rent and is evicted. Her world further collapses upon receiving news of a family tragedy. Defying her mother's advice, Lucila returns to Mexico City to mourn with her grandparents (Luisa Huertas and Guillermo Ríos) and other relatives, carrying the ashes of the deceased loved one in her backpack.

Moments of Connection and Unveiling Truths

These concluding scenes are among the film's most moving, showing Lucila experiencing a sense of family connection she hadn't felt in years. Her grandfather, shaped by military service, offers kindness and affection, while her straightforward grandmother finally provides the long-withheld explanation for Isabel's abandonment, without sugarcoating the truth.

"Ash in the Mouth": Literal Interpretation Over Emotional Depth

This final segment also more literally than emotionally explains the novel's original title, "Ash in the Mouth." However, the overarching impression is that a complex narrative has been reduced to superficial plot points, sacrificing meaningful character insight. The film achieves a peculiar balance of being both intimate and emotionally detached, a shortcoming not attributed to the talented cast, but perhaps to an editing process that, in an effort to propel the story, inadvertently diminished its essence.

Unexplored Themes and Fragmented Portrayals

The screenplay barely scratches the surface of what appear to be crucial themes or rich background details from the original novel. The stigmatization of Mexican immigrants in Spain, often treated as culturally and economically inferior, is confined to isolated incidents, such as interactions with a harsh employer or Lucila contemplating a Catalan language course flyer. The underlying issues of crime and socio-economic pressures driving Mexicans to seek opportunities abroad are briefly touched upon in a chaotic nighttime scene involving a gang, presumably a drug cartel, terrorizing Lucila's grandparents' peaceful neighborhood.

The Power of Affection Amidst Disconnection

Ultimately, the film's most impactful moments are those depicting Lucila's genuine affection for those in her care, whether joyfully playing with a baby or tenderly tending to a neglected elderly woman. However, the movie struggles with narrative flow; its deliberately fragmented approach ultimately results in disparate pieces that fail to form a cohesive and compelling whole.