Tótem
Seen it?2023 | 95 min | Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in Spanish, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In a bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party for her father, Tona, led by her mother, aunts, and other relatives. As the day goes on, building to an event both anticipated and dreaded, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year and watches as her family does the same.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsSolid
Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Prize of the Ecumenical Jury. Also nominated for 1 more Berlin award and 3 Independent Spirit Awards. Plus 11 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$165K worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 11K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lila Avilés
- Naíma SentíesSol
- Montserrat MarañonNuri
- Marisol GaséAlejandra
- Saori GurzaEsther
- Mateo García ElizondoTonatiuh
- Teresa SánchezCruz
- Iazua LariosLucía
- Alberto AmadorRoberto
- Juan Francisco MaldonadoNapo
- Marisela VillaruelLúdica