So having scrolled through endless low-ranked reviews from folks who think this plot is disjointed or preachy, I uhhhhhh just don't think y'all understand what it's actually trying to be. The writing is DEEPLY thematic -- the result of an Indigenous storyteller obviously genuinely engaged in his craft and Hopi heritage -- and as someone who (admittedly) came in not knowing that, with my teeth pre-gritted expecting another pro-Exxon flick with surface-level heroics and the kind of cringe I'd usually have to overlook to enjoy my popcorn, I was just so incredibly pleased to find that even the oilman dad himself was written so as to be human??? His acting in his realization scene was real and raw -- seeing him and Chato have a real moment of understanding (that didn't have to mean absolution/lack of consequences for the dude's choices, aaaa!!!) meant so much to me. And he wasn't the only character to leave that impact throughout the film -- watching the mum struggling between passing her culture onto her kids and appeasing their colonially skeptical dad??? Seeing how gd FIERCE she was protecting her daughter without hesitation AND making sure that both kids knew they deserved that safety regardless of gender??? The fact that every single one of these characters had something to actually CONTRIBUTE to the rescue at the end, from the son's engagement and recognition and faith to the daughter's ingenuity (a STEM-based knowledge drawn from a traditionally feminine interest in makeup, don't think I don't see you breaking barriers over there) to the balance between Chato and the dad's complimentary masculinities... and Toro. Friggin loved Toro, man.
In all seriousness, my partner and I turned on the TV tonight looking for a popcorn flick and a giggle to celebrate our anniversary, and for the first time in two years, I actually picked a good movie. Y'all have no idea how grateful I am, for that personal experience and for all of the time and effort and care that clearly went into this story. (I'm at an Indig Lit conference this week, I'll try to hype it up!!! ;P) Keep up the amazing work!!!!!!
In all seriousness, my partner and I turned on the TV tonight looking for a popcorn flick and a giggle to celebrate our anniversary, and for the first time in two years, I actually picked a good movie. Y'all have no idea how grateful I am, for that personal experience and for all of the time and effort and care that clearly went into this story. (I'm at an Indig Lit conference this week, I'll try to hype it up!!! ;P) Keep up the amazing work!!!!!!