A Place to Be (En Algun Lugar) tells the moving story of Diego, an undocumented immigrant living in the U.S., and his love affair with Abel, a youth worker passionate about LGBTQ+ rights. As Diego's undocumented status threatens their relationship, a family tragedy forces them to embark on a dangerous journey to Mexico and back. Their love is tested against the harsh realities of immigration, identity, and survival, as they navigate the physical and emotional borders that separate them from the life they desire.
En Algun Lugar (A Place to Be), directed by Tadeo Garcia, is a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and the immigrant experience. This 2017 film tackles complex issues of undocumented immigrants in the United States while bringing a tender love story to the forefront.
The film centers around Abel and Diego, two gay men whose love is tested not just by their individual insecurities but also by the pressures of living in a country that doesn’t recognize Diego’s presence as legal. While Abel is a youth gay-rights advocate living comfortably in the U.S., Diego lives under the constant threat of deportation. The narrative picks up pace when Diego’s biological mother is dying in Mexico, forcing him to face the difficult reality of being undocumented.
What makes En Algun Lugar special is its focus on the humanity of its characters. Abel and Diego are not just defined by their sexuality or immigration status but by their dreams, flaws, and capacity for love. The dynamic between the two leads is beautifully executed, with standout performances by Christopher Acevedo and Nelson Rodriguez, who bring authenticity to their roles. Their chemistry is compelling, and their relationship unfolds naturally with ups and downs that resonate with viewers.
The movie weaves in the political climate of the time, particularly the fear surrounding Donald Trump’s immigration policies, but it never feels heavy-handed. Instead, the film chooses to focus on the emotional and personal stakes for the characters. While the backdrop of immigration is a significant part of the story, at its core, this is a love story about two people trying to navigate the difficulties of life and identity in a hostile environment.
There are moments of levity, primarily provided by the supporting cast, including the vibrant and humorous character Braulio (played by Jessie Perez). His light-hearted take on serious situations adds necessary comedic relief without undermining the gravity of the film’s message.
The cinematography is gorgeous, especially in its depictions of Chicago neighborhoods and scenes set in Mexico. However, the film does stumble in certain aspects, particularly its handling of the Spanish language. While Diego and his family are portrayed as Latino, their fluency in Spanish is inconsistent, which detracts from the authenticity of their cultural background.
The film also touches on some critical immigration issues but doesn’t always dive deep enough into them. For instance, when Diego and Abel attempt to return to the U.S. via a smuggling route, the film brushes over the more profound systemic challenges that undocumented immigrants face. Instead, it shifts focus to the dangers of the journey itself, which, while dramatic and tense, feels like a missed opportunity to explore the broader issues at play.
The movie takes a tragic turn when Abel is killed during their journey back to the U.S. after trying to intervene in a violent situation. His death serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in undocumented crossings and the privilege gap between those who live in the U.S. legally and those who do not. Abel’s inability to fully comprehend the dangers that Diego faces daily ultimately leads to his demise, a poignant message about the price of privilege and naivety.
In the end, Diego is left to assume Abel’s identity, a bittersweet resolution that raises more questions than it answers. While this twist provides Diego with a chance at a better life, it also feels unresolved and somewhat morally ambiguous.
En Algun Lugar is an emotionally rich film that handles both romance and socio-political issues with care and thoughtfulness. While it may stumble in some areas, particularly with its portrayal of immigration complexities and language, the film succeeds in telling a compelling story about love, loss, and survival in a world that doesn’t always welcome those who don’t fit the mold.
For those interested in stories that blend the personal and the political, En Algun Lugar is a must-watch, offering a touching reminder that love should indeed know no borders.
