This is a one-of-a kind creative film with loads of artistic value. Writer/director Julio Torres is also the lead and audiences will enjoy falling into his invigorating world in Problemista. Time is of the essence in this surrealist experience that is attention-grabbing. Problemista addresses real-life struggles and exploresmoments of desperation but leaves a trail of hope. The film is an immersive tale of wonders that succeeds thanks to the innovative direction and performance of Torres.

In Problemista, Torres plays Alejandro, an individual doing what he can to make ends meet as a toy designer. Alejandro comes from El Salvador and keeps hitting plateaus with the opportunities he is pursuing. The harsh world of rejection is very frustrating in Problemista. However, Alejandro gets a chance when he meets Elizabeth, played by Tilda Swinton. She is an inspired artist with a wild and egotistical sense of humor who serves as aa role model for Alejandro. She is also the one person who may be able to help Alejandro overcome his work visa conflict while also finding ways to approach his career path.

The scenes in Problemista are colorful. The writing has anaudacity of grandeur that is deep within the narration of the film. Isabella Rossellini is the narrator, and her voice has a tone which fuels the audiences’ faith in the artistic life of someone who has grown desperate. Problemista is revolutionary and engrossing. It is a portrait of the bigger picture of an artist trying to find work in a difficult field. 

The story provides context which helps demonstrate how who you know in a complex job arena can make all the difference when it comes to landing a job or an opportunity. Alejandro has limits due to his work visa and New York is a complicated and costly city to navigate.  Alejandro must stay close to Elizabeth and keep sucking up her in order toimprove his status and chances of growth and employment.

As someone who loves the arts, the story of Alejandro’s struggles enthralled and moved me. Problemista offered a landscape that caused many questions to come to my mind. Is Alejandro’s art repetitive? Are Alejandro’s ideas not in-demand? Is Alejandro’s voice enticing enough to pitch to the level it needs for fulfillment? While Alejandro’s works to complete his tasks, Elizabeth proves overwhelming for him to work with. Although she provides needed benefits. She provides the benefit of consistency so that Alejandro has someone to fall back on when he hits plateaus with his visa and art projects. Will Elizabeth remain true to Alejandro? Problemista offers a realistic look into an arena where the right voices and connections to the right people truly count. 

There is a long road of irritations for an individual who is hopento broaden his path into something more worthwhile. Problemista shows how tolerance and perseverance matter.Alejandro is destined to find his dream, and Elizabeth is his guide to that. Does art eventually lead to bigger aspirations? Find out in Problemista. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.