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Film Review: “I Carry You with Me” (2021)

CHRISTIAN VÁZQUEZ as Gerardo, ARMANDO ESPITIA as Iván in I CARRY YOU WITH ME. Photo by Alejandro Lopez Pineda. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

There are too many stories that deserve to be told, especially ones that touch upon an immigrant’s life. As we sit on our comfortable chairs, surrounded by family, some give up their homes for a better life, or say goodbye to their loved ones, wherever they might be. A sad ending, unfortunately, is a reality for many.

Iván (wonderful Armando Espitia), even as a child, knew he was different from others, Growing up in Mexico in a family that would reject him for being gay, he learned to pass for a straight man. He grows, gets married and has a son. Then, he meets the love of his life, Gerardo (Christian Vazquez). When Ivan decides to leave his family behind, even the man he loved, he did not know that Gerardo will follow him all the way to New York. Through the ruins of their past, and a broken family, the two get together, once again, for one simple reason – they have always carried one another deep in their heart long before they reunited.

First and foremost, it must be noted that two fantastic actors, Armando Espitia and Christian Vazquezone, share one of the most beautiful chemistry seen on screen. Inspired by true events, and half a documentary, the film gives justice to what we all know as the ultimate sacrifice. Directed by Heidi Ewing, the love and appreciation the filmmaker has towards her character is noticeable. As you imagine, the story is based on real people. But that does not stop Ewing from painting her own portrait of love, struggle, pain, desperation, dream and immigrant life in one film. Hard to believe perhaps, with all the rights elements, “I carry You with Me” is like an Anthem for lovers that give up everything just to be together.

That said, “I Carry You with Me” is a stunning film that will own your heart and soul throughout. It’s like a delicious juice you will keep drinking and still feel thirsty – because it’s simply not enough. The beauty of the film is so obvious, it can blind the eye. The film, thanks to the absolutely breathtaking performances, shows the meaning of true love, the loss of family, the struggle the two men will go through as illegal immigrants in the United States, where they live, contribute, employ and give money to the government, but with no path towards naturalization. Because that’s how it is.

And that is what is the most astounding thing you will learn once again – a senseless and heartless system that punishes the very people they benefit from. All that, in one film, sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it? But to believe it, waste no more time and give it a try. It will blow your mind as far away as possible, and it will be hard to pick it up even long after the film is over.

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