This is a film where all may feel lost, but deep-down hope prevails. There is audacious and grand desperation to seek a new light in this story which is one of the best films in the 42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival. The composition is strong and the persistence is mesmerizing. The film captures someone whorelies upon resources to survive. Despite the mattersencountered, the film is about pushing past hurdles. This is Becoming Vera, written and directed by Sergio Vizuete. He is stellar at capturing rare talent in this one-of-a-kind drama centered on fascination with the piano.

The film’s main character is Vera, and she is played by Raquel Lebish. She has been in and out of the system since she aged out of the foster care program and now finds herself jumping between jobs and homes. Vera has a talent for piano, because her former foster mom had a piano in her life. However, Vera has been self-taught. She lands a job painting someone’s studio. The studio is under a man named Hector, and he is played by Gabriel Dehl. He is teaching a pianist named Ellen Rivera, and she is played by Mikaela Monet. Once Vera touches Gabriel’s instruments, he decides to give her a shot.

The film explores multiple angles of competition that Vera faces. The film is vivid at showcasing persistence. While Vera continues to juggle her life as an orphan, she is also prepping in the piano studio with Hector. She has an opportunity to work her way up in the Latin music scene. Her nemesis, however, is Helen. Both musicians possess different styles. While Vera is self-taught, Helen has been taught how to play through structured lessons. Helen has the upper hand because of her musical education and the fact that she is more connected with those in the music industry. Vera’s only connection is Hector, and he can be two-faced.

The film does a great job of exploring this journey of someone who must work their way to the top. I appreciate the value of the message in this film focused on never giving up. The craftsmanship of the writing is so pure and beautiful. It is a moving picture of someone trying to thrive with love for a craft while also grappling with the uncharted territory she continues to encounter.

The devotion from the performance of Lebish is gold. She repeatedly shows up to do the impossible. Despite being an orphan, she keeps taking the chance to prove her piano playing has purpose. She goes above and beyond. She pushes herself to the limit. She disregards the hardship that circles around her. The film reinforces how important it is to live life in the present.As she says in the film, “I’m a fast learner.” She means it. Orphan life is an obstacle, but becoming an accomplished artist is an opportunity. Vera is unwilling to throw in the towel. Four out of four stars for Becoming Vera.