Julio Torres' "PROBLEMISTA"
Review by Dennis D. McDonald
This will probably go on one of my annual best of the year lists. It’s rough in spots, but the whimsy and humor more than make up for that.
The story follows a young immigrant who arrives in the U.S. hoping to make his fortune as a toy designer. To survive a series of initial rejections, he takes on odd jobs—and I do mean odd.
He soon crosses paths with an eccentric artist and widow (played deliriously by Tilda Swinton) and finds himself working to help her keep her late husband in cryosleep.
The film occasionally delves into deeper issues—immigrant struggles, poverty, the frustrations of Apple technical support, the perils of Craigslist—but writer/director/star Julio Torres continuously surprises us with clever twists and turns, including an aerial trip to Roosevelt Island!
It’s not all fun and games, but if you’re looking for something clever, funny, fresh, and visually striking (Tilda Swinton’s hair!), you can’t go wrong with Problemista!
Review copyright 2025 by Dennis D. McDonald
