Summer of Goliath is a Mexican film that came out in 2010 that is a blend of documentary and fiction, as the filmmakers combine their actual experiences with the fictional story to create a unique and engaging narrative. Directed by Nicolás Pereda, this movie explores the lives of residents in a small Mexican town as they navigate through relationships, family, and life during a scorching summer.
The storyline follows a family and their neighbors as they experience different challenges during one summer. The film puts emphasis on Gabino, a middle-aged man who is in search of his wife who has reportedly run away with their neighbor. Meanwhile, the sister of Gabino, Rita, tries to comfort him while dealing with her own stresses, including her son Viktor's father who works as a bouncer at a local bar and is showing little desire to see his son.
Other characters that viewers meet in the movie are Victor, a young man who is living with his uncle, and Clemencia, a local wrestler who has been trying to get pregnant for some time now. The film also follows a local gang that resides in the town.
As the movie progresses, viewers witness the lives of these individuals converging in unexpected and eye-opening ways. Summer of Goliath is a masterpiece of Mexican cinema as it not only focuses on the personal lives of these individuals but also highlights crucial social and economic issues that plague the region.
What makes this film unique is its style of presentation where it blends fiction with documentary. It does not follow a specific storyline but instead takes its cue from daily life happenings, immersing viewers into the realities of the residents of this small Mexican town. This approach not only adds an authentic touch to the film but also creates moments of humor and irony while bringing out the human emotions of heartbreak, angst, and hope.
The excellent cast of the Summer of Goliath brought out the characters' strength and weaknesses, making for a heartfelt and memorable watch. Each character has a story, an event happening in their lives that they must navigate through, and the actors brought their roles to life beautifully. Clemencia Alejo, Gabriela Alejo, and Jose Refugio Alejo all give authentic and honest portrayals that make the viewers connect emotionally to their individual storylines.
Some of the other highlights of the film include beautiful shots of the Mexican countryside, which provide the perfect backdrop to the movie's narration. Director Pereda's ability to capture the nuances of everyday life in the countryside is outstanding, and viewers can feel the sweltering heat that engulfs the region.
Overall, Summer of Goliath is a monumental Mexican film that deserves recognition. It is an authentic take on human lives and how each person's struggle plays a role in the development and shaping of a society. The movie presents itself in a simple yet poignant way making it one of the staples of modern Mexican cinema. It highlights an important reality about Mexico, underlining sexual and economic exploitation, and the film's incisive but sensitive approach contributes to its gravity.
Summer of Goliath is a 2010 international movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0 and a MetaScore of 49.
