Workers (2013) is a Mexican drama film that showcases the lives of two individuals who are working in different sectors and are struggling with their respective challenges. The movie is helmed by director Jose Luis Valle and narrates a poignant tale of the modern-day working class in Mexico. The movie mainly revolves around the lives of Bernardo (Jesus Padilla) and Rafael (Susana Salazar), who belong to two different working-class backgrounds. Bernardo is a security guard of a massive mall located in the outskirts of Mexico City while Rafael is a domestic worker in a lavish house in the affluent area of the city. The plot is set over a single day, starting with Bernardo's shift in the early morning and concluding with Rafael's work in the ritzy house late into the night.
The film is a stunning portrayal of the inequality that exists in the Mexican society and is depicted through the contrast of the lives of the two protagonists. Bernardo and Rafael's professions might be different, but they both are struggling in their lives, trying to make ends meet, and barely surviving on the meager wages that their respective jobs offer.
Bernardo's character is depicted as an honest and hardworking individual who is known for his sense of duty and loyalty to his job. While the mall provides him with a salary and a sense of security, he is shown to be discontented and dejected with his life. Despite his devotion to his profession, he is disrespected and ill-treated by his colleagues, who mock him behind his back. Bernardo, however, continues to work diligently, hoping that his dedication will be noticed, and he will be given an promotion in his job.
On the other hand, Rafael's life is entirely different from Bernardo's. She comes from a poor background and is working hard as a domestic worker to realize her dream of saving up money for her son's education. Rafael has a loving and supportive relationship with her son, and she hopes that by providing him with a good education, she can give him a better life than she ever had. Rafael's struggles are not just limited to providing financially for her family, but she is also facing turbulence in her personal life. She has to deal with the unwanted sexual advances of her boss, and her daughter is involved in a troublesome relationship.
The film shines the light on the stark difference in the lifestyle and privileges that Bernardo and Rafael have, being on the opposite ends of the economic spectrum. The movie showcases how the divide between the rich and the poor is prevalent in Mexican society and is a prevalent problem that affects every section of the population.
One of the essential features of Workers is its excellent direction, which gently nudges the narrative along without resorting to melodrama or sentimentality. The director achieves a significant feat by depicting the struggles of the working-class people with a touch of realism and sensitivity. The film also captures the ethos of Mexico City beautifully, with its bustling streets, crowded malls, and opulent villas that exist side by side.
Finally, the supporting cast of the movie also deserves special mention, particularly Barbara Perrin Rivemar, who portrays the character of Rafael's daughter. Her performance is impressive, and she brings an essence of vulnerability and rawness to her character.
In conclusion, Workers is an outstanding movie that tells a tale of social inequality, struggle, and perseverance. It is a heart-wrenching portrait of life in the working class and a reminder of the difficulties of living in a society where the divide between the rich and the poor is so stark. The movie is a must-watch for people who enjoy the drama genre and are looking for a movie that portrays the lives of the common people with a high degree of realism.
