‘Sujo‘ follows the pull between nature versus nurture in the world of the Mexican cartels through the cinematic visions of writers/directors Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez.
‘Sujo‘ is a stark portrayal of cyclical violence. The story begins with the death of Sujo’s (Juan Jesús Varela) father, Josue, a sicario in the cartel. After Josue kills Genaro, the son of his cartel boss, he is murdered by the cartel, and Sujo’s life is threatened. Sujo’s aunt Nemesia (Yadira Pérez) takes him in, pledging to keep him hidden. She raises him in seclusion, despite her efforts, Sujo’s
rebelliousness grows as he matures, and he joins the local cartel, seeking a sense of belonging. As a young man, he tries to escape his violent past and build a new life. But when his father’s legacy resurfaces, Sujo is forced to confront the fate that seems unavoidable.
‘Sujo‘ explores the inescapable pressures of violence, with a slow, dreamlike narrative that emphasizes the hardship of life in Michoacán. Through vivid cinematography, the film captures the rugged, unforgiving landscape that reflects the difficulty of breaking free from a life of crime. Sujo’s inheritance of his father’s car symbolizes his inherited fate, as he and his cousins fall into criminal activity, repeating the mistakes of their forebears.
The film’s magic realism is embodied by Nemesia, a witch who senses Josue’s death and understands the danger Sujo faces. She negotiates with the cartel to raise Sujo on the condition he stays away from town. Despite her best efforts, Sujo’s temptation to follow in his father’s footsteps is strong. The desire for wealth, and the sense of belonging it promises, drive him and his cousins deeper into the cartel’s web.
In an attempt to escape, Sujo moves to Mexico City, where he works hard but remains haunted by his past. He finds brief solace in meeting a teacher who sees potential in him, but his past soon catches up with him, forcing him to choose between loyalty to his family and his own desires.
‘Sujo‘ screens at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 4, 7, and 10, 2025. To purchase tickets for ‘Sujo‘ visit: https://www.psfilmfest.org/.
Summary
‘Sujo‘ offers an exploration of Mexico’s poverty and the struggle to escape violence, blending a grim reality with a fragile sense of hope. The haunting scenes focus on the central themes of nature, nurture, and the possibility of redemption.
