Half Brothers is a fun take on the road trip narrative that simultaneously tackles some very serious issues plaguing immigrants in the U.S. today. This fact, unfortunately, muddles the tone of the film and causes it to bounce back and forth between absurdist humor and a heartbreaking social injustice drama rather than living in a happy middle ground. I found myself both amused and emotionally rocked by it but neither ever felt like they belonged in the same film, though I’m sure they could.
Renato, an aviation executive in Mexico, has spent most of his life wondering why his father abandoned him so long ago. Five days before his wedding he gets the opportunity to get these answers but theres one twist– he must team up with his half brother Asher to fulfill his fathers dying wish, complete a multi-state scavenger hunt that will bring the clarity they have both been hoping for while helping to bring them closer together as siblings.
The highlight of the film is Juan Pablo Espinosa who carried the heart of the film as the estranged father to our protagonists. He was, by far, the most consistent and touching element of the film. Sadly, the other performers suffer from the same exhaustingly dissonant tones the entirety of the narrative suffers from. I really wish this film was better because it sheds light on some issues that need more attention, and it isn’t completely unsuccessful, it just fails at telling a cohesive tale its audience will want to get through in one sitting.
Born in Puerto Rico but raised in a combination of the island, Boston and upstate New York. This guy’s accent shifts depending on his mood, as does his sense of style. If you don’t understand him sometimes, don’t feel bad, neither do we.
Having studied film in Florida, with a focus on writing and directing, and having worked on many projects of all sizes and scope, Raul has a well rounded understanding of cinema. He is also a huge fan of American Football and believes Tom Brady to be the indisputable G.O.A.T.
