Toronto Review: Aitch Alberto’s Directorial Debut Film ‘Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe’

Aristotle and Dante Uncover the Secrets and techniques of the Universe, written and directed by Aitch Alberto, is a movie about two queer Mexican boys who uncover deep secrets and techniques inside themselves over the course of a faculty 12 months. The film is an adaptation of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel of the identical identify.

Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza (Max Pelayo) opens the movie by introducing the viewers to his household and life as a highschool pupil. He’s not enthusiastic about being one of many cool children and desires one thing greater than a provincial life in 1985 New Mexico. An opportunity encounter with Dante (Reese Gonzales), a younger man Ari meets on the native pool, results in an intense connection between the 2 of them. Aristotle’s father, Jamie (Eugenio Derbez), mopes about the home in a melancholic temper, which is why he’s nearer to his mom, Liliana (Veronica Falcon). She takes care of the household whereas his older, estranged brother is serving heavy jail time.

Each the boys have identification points, however Dante is the braver of the 2 and prepared to precise his emotions towards mentioned points out loud. Doubled with the truth that his race is at all times known as into query as a result of his father Sam (Kevin Alejandro) is white, and his mom Soledad (Eva Longoria) is Mexican, he feels he isn’t sufficient for anybody. Regardless of their variations, Aristotle and Dante develop a friendship that can transcend this Earthly airplane, and open up the door to a universe of details about themselves and the world round them. 

Aristotle and Dante asks heavy existential questions of its viewers about life, identification, loyalty, righteousness and the way these rules hook up with Mexican tradition. Alberto isn’t breaking new floor because the movie performs into the angst, closeted queer trope. Nonetheless, it’s a aid to see dad and mom in films that don’t outright hate their kids for being totally different. It is probably not sensible, but it surely’s good to see one of these illustration coming from the Latin group. 

Folks can deliver out one of the best or worst in one another, however good friendships are transformative. Feeling that degree of consolation and amiability with somebody you may belief can result in some actual honesty, which is what these two younger males do for each other. They expertise the highs, lows, and rock bottoms of their particular person journeys, however as a result of their bond is so sturdy, these two meet within the center anyway. Alberto’s story is much less about popping out and extra about standing in your reality, no matter that could be. When you’re queer, take pleasure in it, regardless of what the haters assume. Your mates will at all times have your again and choose you up off the ground when the sliver of doubt units in.