We all desire validation and recognition from our peers. In some cases, the need to have our accomplishments acknowledged can lead us to doing outlandish things for the sake of notoriety. Writer-director Tomas Gomez Bustillo uses this very human desire and need as the foundation for his film, Chronicles Of A Wandering Saint.
Rita (Monica Villa) is deeply religious woman who dedicates much of her time to praying and being active at in her local church. Unfortunately for Rita, the other women at her church often overlook her contributions and commitment to goodness, kindness, and sainthood. When she discovers a long-lost holy statue, she seizes the chance to finally gain the respect of her community. After some hijinks, and a failed miracle, Rita manages to earn the reputation she believes she’s entitled to.
Without giving away an important twist, Rita’s journey to prove her holiness becomes literal halfway through the film, and the story is better for it. It’s unexpected and elevates the material in an extraordinary and thoughtful way.
The film begins as a small scale exploration of the ins and outs of life in a small town. Rita’s conversations with her husband early in the film reveal she has a deep-seated unhappiness that she has lived with for a long time. The story alludes to the couple losing a child, but never fully explores that particular plot thread. Rita is trapped, insecure and perpetually grieving what could have been.
Whether anyone around her realizes it or not, she is deserving of more. This is interesting characterization for a character trying to prove their greatness to everyone around them. As one might guess, this can easily lead to prideful acts. The film beautifully and comedically explores the inherent contradiction.
One character I would have liked to have seen developed more is Rita’s husband. He’s a bit aloof, but loving and eager to make her happy. Although he isn’t the focus of the film, I would have loved more development for the character and a hint at what his future holds.
Director Tomas Gomez Bustillo has an extraordinary talent for elevating grounded concepts and stories unexpectedly, and this film shows off that strength. Thanks to his writing and directing, viewers will long and grieve right along with the characters. He successfully creates an immersive world, and it makes for a pleasurable viewing experience. I was astounded to discover that this is Bustillo’s debut, and I anticipate that we will see many great stories from this talented director.
Chronicles Of A Wandering Saint is comedic and grounded look at the need for validation and what it truly takes to be a saint.
Chronicles Of A Wandering Saint had its World Premiere at SXSW 2023 in the Visions section.
Director: Tomas Gomez Bustillo
Writer: Tomas Gomez Bustillo
Rated: NR
Runtime: 84m
Chronicles Of A Wandering Saint is comedic and grounded look at the need for validation and what it truly takes to be a saint.
Writer. Video Essayist. Film/TV Critic. Pop Culture Enthusiast.
When he isn’t writing for Geek Vibes Nation or The Cinema Spot, Tristian can be found typing away at one of the novels or screenplays he’s been working on forever.
