Dona Herlinda and Her Son
Doña Herlinda is a delightfully singular movie character, a doting widow who wants it all--a happy son, grandchildren, and the respect of her neighbor--and quietly, lovingly manipulates the world around her to get it. Her devoted son, Rodolfo, is gay, but that's no problem: she practically adopts Ramon, his young lover, and even moves him into their house ("Rodolfo's bedroom is big," she smiles with convincing innocence) while simultaneously arranging for Ramon's marriage. Writer-director Jaime Humberto Hermosillo has nothing but respect for his characters, especially Guadalupe Del Toro's sweet and sly Doña Herlinda, a woman who projects naïve innocence while determinedly stage-managing her unconventional family unit. In other hands this might be a recipe for tragedy, but Hermosillo spins it into a lovingly subversive comedy of tolerance, acceptance, and keeping up appearances.--Sean Axmaker