This is one of those artistic films that made me feel cultured and doing good deeds do not go unpunished. Written and directed by Ana Endara Mislov, Beloved Tropic is a film that weaves the narrative tone of connection through cultures of wealth and change. It is also one that is solely focused on an individual dealing with a pregnancy situation while trying to make ends meet. With its selection of being in the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival, Beloved Tropic is a film that also connects the countries of Panama and Colombia—many of the correlations are done through the film presenting characterizations in tune with finding connections. Mixed feelings come along with Beloved Tropic.

The focus of the film is a pregnant immigrant named Ana Maria (played by Jenny Navarrete). She is hired by Jimena (played by Juliette Roy) to look after her mother Mercedes (played by Paulina Garcia). Mercedes is wealthy but is also suffering from dementia. Deep down though, she wants to thrive and be happy and Ana is her savior in this. As Ana takes care of Mercedes, they establish a bond that opens many doors of wonders. Some of them are sad, some are happy, and some are unanswered. Through it all there is a context of feeling connected when there is limited time left in life which correlates to enhance the cinematic essence.

Beloved Tropic is by far one of the most culturally and ethically fueled films I have seen at the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival. Bonding moments and turmoil finding light weave together in Beloved Tropic. It has haunting components that continue to search for hope for both Ana Maria with her pregnancy and Mercedes with her overall health. The film is a little subtle in increments but cinematically keeps the texture of emotions in tune. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Beloved Tropic.