Wall of Mexico

Political and social metaphors are rampant in this genre challenged “drama” centered around a wealthy, Mexican-American family. Sadly many of the main messages get lost or tangled up in unnecessary distractions. I liked the film and found it entertaining but was constantly hoping it would clear its head and focus. Sort of like when you are try to get your drunk friend to sober up just long enough to tell you where they live so you can get them home. This film stumbles around and thinks it is saying what it wants to; but it often comes out a muddled, sexually erotic, mess. The best way to enjoy THE WALL OF MEXICO is to forget the messages and just watch it the same way you do reality TV. Scoff at the outrageous behavior, quietly envy their lifestyle, and judge them for their lack of responsibility.

The Wall of Mexico
1h 50min | Comedy, Drama | In virtual theaters now, On Demand October 13

Synopsis: Don (Jackson Rathbone), a young handyman, is hired by the Aristas, a wealthy Mexican-American family with two outrageously decadent daughters. The source of the Aristas’ wealth is a mystery to Don. Living in nearby Winfield, he soon learns tensions are high between the Aristas and the poor white townspeople, and that this has something to do with the Aristas’ well, which Don is asked to guard at night. People are superstitious about the well. Don learns the Aristas are selling wellwater at alarming prices. Don becomes infatuated with the younger daughter, Tania (Marisol Sacramento). As the water level drops, possibly from theft, the situation comes to a boil, and the Aristas decide to build a massive wall.

(continued) I assume the “wall” is another metaphor because even though they do build a wall it feels like an afterthought and, other than one tense scene, really has nothing to do with the plot. The wall to me just symbolizes the personal ones that we put up between our selves and those we consider different or beneath us. Here the Aristas have put up a wall between them and everyone else, especially the poor, neighboring town.

The family has this well that they drink from which obviously has some healing powers. You get this info from, again, some very vague and shrouded dialogue. When the water levels start to drop they panic and assume someone is stealing it. So they have the young, handy-man Don keep an eye on it. Don is too busy keeping an eye on the two daughters though and wants nothing more than to be accepted and invited in to their perfect lives.

Speaking of these daughters. They are the stereotypical wealthy offspring we see in movies and reality TV. They are pampered, selfish, and self motivated. Tania seems to stay drunk or stones most of the time for reasons that are unknown. Her sister Ximena (Carmela Zumbado) sits around spouting theories and random streams of consciousness. Are they 20-something as the appear or far older? Show knows. Again the metaphors abound with age vs maturity vs responsibility. There is a son too. I think. Is it their son? Family friend? Do we ever really know?

The film had so much potential. It flips the script on today’s political climate and could have been a powerful narrative. Instead it just tries too hard to be cool and hip. Which is a contradiction to what you would think it was trying to fight against. It sacrifices substance for popularity. I am not sure who the film is trying to appeal to or what viewing audience it is trying to reach. Those who want the message will be frustrated with the content. Those who enjoy the content for the weird, erotic-fueled, thriller it is will care nothing about the true message.

It leaves us all in the same boat. Confused and unfulfilled. I give THE WALL OF MEXICO a D for dysfunction. Both in the family and the storytelling. Check it out if you want but be sure you go in with the right expectations.