Tótem
12A
Tótem unfolds across a single long day, within a grand family home. Family and friends gather together to let two dual rituals play out: the birthday of 7 year old Sol‘s young father Tona, but as it will likely be his last, it is also a farewell ceremony.
Like the character of the bonsai-loving patriarch, Avilés takes meticulous care in shaping her own miniature, bending trajectories and feelings, pruning all frills and excess. Tótem amasses signs and forms of life: animals, insects, plants and a parade of wonderful human beings who are stronger together.
Details
“The second film from Mexican actor turned writer-director Lila Avilés, Tótem is exquisite – a vital ensemble drama that’s suffused with joy and love.”
The Observer
“Mexican director Lila Avilés follows up her stunning 2018 debut The Chambermaid with another brilliant multi-generational family saga, told from the perspective of a seven-year old girl in the course of one day.”
Uncut
“One of the rare authentic miracles that a film can pull off is to depict the intimate and the seemingly inconsequential with absolute naturalness. That is something Mexican writer/director Lila Avilés achieves with elegance and insight in Tótem, her follow-up to much-praised 2018 debut The Chambermaid.”
Screen
