‘Cassandro’ Review – An Entertaining Biopic That Is Equal Parts Tragedy And Triumphant

Everyone loves an underdog. Some of the most inspiring and uplifting stories focus on those cast aside, othered, and told that their dreams are impossible before they rise to defy their naysayers. Cassandro tells the story of one such underdog. Saúl Armendáriz (Gael García Bernal) began as an underground wrestler with dreams of superstardom, and through hard work, dedication, and relentlessness, would rise to become a big name in the world of professional wrestling.

Based on a true story, the film opens with a young Saul participating in underground wrestling matches and throwing fights because he has been hired to be a loser. He spends his time in the ring acting as a petite punching bag for his more notable peers. His luck changes when he meets hotshot trainer Sabrina (Roberta Colindrez), who agrees to train him for free. Saul embraces his sexuality by adopting the in-ring identity of Cassandro. Cassandro is a fabulous and confident luchador who embraces his femininity in the ring but is also a fearsome competitor. While exótico’s like Cassandro becomes the target of much homophobic ire, his campy presentation and genuine talent make him a star that even the most hateful onlookers can’t help but root for.

Cassandro is a sports biopic that is triumphant and tragic and does an excellent job of balancing both story elements. Saul’s relationship with his mother, Yocasta (Perla De La Rosa), is one of the most beautiful parts of the movie. He helps her with her laundry business, and viewers see that she is a bit of an underdog within the community. She daydreams in vain of the day that Saul’s married father will return and sweep her off of her feet. She is unrelentingly loyal, supportive, and loving of her son, and the beauty of it will leave viewers yearning to develop or reaffirm that kind of relationship with their mothers. Bernal and De La Rosa have such a beautiful and easy chemistry when portraying the duo that viewers will immediately believe the “us against the world” dynamic the two actors bring to life. Seriously, it’s one of the most memorable elements of the film and has its own tragic and heart-wrenching ups and downs.

Another major element of the film is Saul’s secret relationship with the married luchador, Gerardo (Raul Castillo). The energy between the two is giddy, playful, and intense, but tainted by the fact that Gerardo presents himself as a straight family man. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable and downright sexy as hell. There is a blistering intensity that permeates their scenes and viewers will find themselves rooting for this toxic pairing even though they know it will never work out and shouldn’t.

Sabrina and Saul’s relationship doesn’t get much development beyond its mentor/mentee dynamic, and while it serves the purpose that the story needs it to, it would have been nice to see more of their dynamic. One could argue that they have more of a sibling relationship by the end of the film, and while that is nice, it still would have been great to see more of their dynamic explored beyond their working relationship. Colindrez does an excellent job in her role as the tough, sardonic, but fair, Sabrina.

The heart and seriousness Bernal brings to this story is so astounding to watch. Saul carries a quiet sadness around with him like many people would after spending their entire lives being counted out and underestimated. Even still, he has an inner light and joy that comes to the surface when he takes on the Cassandro persona in the ring. It’s magnificent to watch and relatable to so many queer individuals who go through life feeling like their true, most confident and beautiful selves lurk just beneath the surface of what they present to the world.

Cassandro is a beautiful film about an underdog taking the Mexican wrestling world by storm by presenting his most authentic and confident self while in the ring.

Cassandro is currently playing in select theaters and is available to stream on Prime Video. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doDM5I07fxc]