As Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” I would go on to add that the particular ways that your family is unhappy define significant parts of a person’s being, crafting traits and peccadilloes and teaching them how to interact with others. The family dynamics are fully displayed in “Tótem,” director Lila Avilés’ follow-up to her debut, 2018’s “The Chambermaid.” 

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In a review for The Playlist, Carlos Aguilar describes “Tótem” as feeling rich “in its sublimely compassionate, cinematic observations for which words alone could not suffice.” “Tótem” stars Naíma Sentíes, Monserrat Marañon, Marisol Gasé, Saori Gurza, and Teresita Sánchez.

Continue reading ‘Tótem’ Trailer: In Lila Aviles’ Family Drama, Chaos & Mortality Are Seen Through A Child’s Eyes at The Playlist.