Tótem will come to streaming: Where and when to watch Mexican film
Tótem will come to streaming: Where and when to watch Mexican film. The Academy did not know how to value it, but Lila Avilés’ film has captured the hearts of the public like few other Mexican films in recent years.
By Megan Sauer
Mexico has one of the most exceptional cinemas in the world. Without fear of exaggeration, there is not a year in which a national director does not make thunder abroad for some cinematographic work.
The most recent to do so was Tótem, the film by Lila Avilés, which since the beginning of 2023 in Berlin, began to gain momentum and generate expectations. Fortunately, for those who did not see it in theaters, it is just about to reach streaming.
When is Tótem, the Mexican film shortlisted for an Oscar, coming to streaming?
Netflix confirmed that Tótem will be in its catalog starting March 1. Although Lila Avilés’ film did have a theatrical release, it will be a matter of time until streaming catapults it into many more homes.
The news comes a week after, sadly, the title was left out of the 2024 Oscars in the Best International Film category.
Although it had appeared on the list of finalists in December, the cut was closed with the British Zona De Interés, the Italian Io capitano, the phenomenal La Sociedad de la Nieve, from Spain, the Japanese Perfect Days, and the German The Teacher’s Lounge.
This was the fifth consecutive year in which a Mexican project fell short of competing for Hollywood’s most important statuette.
What is Tótem, by Lila Avilés, about?
The film is the story of Sol, a little girl who doesn’t understand why her family is so excited about throwing a birthday party for her dad.
Throughout the day, as preparations continue in the chaotic family home, she will discover that the celebration has a more melancholic and sad meaning than a festive one for a devastating reason.
The arrival of Tótem to Netflix is something that will have to be kept in mind. In the past, independent Mexican films have managed to become viral phenomena thanks to the platform.
The most notable case was that of the acclaimed I’m Not Here Anymore, by Fernando Frias, which surprised audiences almost a year after its premiere at the Morelia International Film Festival.
Regarding the Best International Film category at the 2024 Oscars, Netflix did not skimp on its campaigns and everything indicates that, for now, The Snow Society, a survival drama based on a real case, is the favorite to win.
Although perhaps due to the entire conflict between Gaza and Israel, Zone of Interest may have an advantage due to the situation.
So now you know, mark your calendar: Tótem arrives on Netflix on March 1st.
Take the opportunity to see both this moving story and the distressing film about the survivors of the ‘Tragedy in the Andes’, which is now available.
