‘Utama’ | Sundance 2022 Review

Directed By:

Alejandro Loayza Grisi

Written By:

Alejandro Loayza Grisi

Starring:

Jose Calcina, Luisa Quispe, Santos Choque

Genre:

Drama, Biopic

Bolivian Altiplano, a dried up and almost uninhabitable land where an elderly Quechua couple, Virginio and Sisa reside. When their grandson Clever shows up to attempt to save his grandparents and move them into city life, but Virginio and Sisa are quick to suspect his intentions. Now with threats of no water or sustainability, the family will have to decide whether they should stay with their ancestors or leave for the chance of a better life.

This is an incredible film with sweeping landscapes, beautiful cinematography and a unique story that can’t be seen anywhere else. I highly doubt anything has been filmed in the locations we’re watching on screen, and I love or new and original it felt watching.

It’s a slower story, but will keep you engaged throughout the runtime. The performances by the entire cast was astoundingly good. These are all new or unknown talents that deliver great moments and well-rounded characters that you believe.

I don’t want to spoil moments, just know that Utama will be one of the most original films you’ll see all year, and I recommend checking it out.

Rating: 8 out of 10.
Patrick Beatty
Patrick Beatty

Patrick Beatty is a film critic and creator of PatrickBeattyReviews.com and the Gaggle of Geeks Podcast network. Watch him Friday’s on ABC4 Good Things Utah talk about movies and follow all his work in the link below.

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