Director Heidi Ewing has made quite a name for herself over the years in the documentary world as the co-director of the Oscar-nominated Jesus Camp, among a number of other features. For her narrative feature debut I Carry You With Me, the filmmaker does not completely abandon her documentary instincts as she follows the real-life love story of Iván Garcia and Gerardo Zabaleta. Through an interesting hybrid of narrative recreation and modern-day documentary footage, Ewing gently unveils a story filled with romantic love and heartbreaking obstacles that make for a genuinely moving experience. The approach is not always seamless, but the raw emotion of the project often succeeds in smoothing over any bumps in the storytelling.
We first see otherworldly shots of current-day Iván Garcia, a well-known chef living and working in New York City, riding the subway as we are left in suspense about other particulars of his life. We soon flashback to earlier days in Puebla, Mexico as brought to life by the striking Armando Espitia. Iván is an aspiring chef who is finding it difficult to advance his career despite his culinary diploma. He knows he could be great if given a shot, but he is left washing dishes and fixing toilets for a boss not interested in hearing much from him. He is separated from his ex with whom he navigates a tricky relationship as they try to raise their son. He is also a closeted gay man, fearful of what she might do if she were ever to find out his secret. Not only might she prevent him from ever seeing their son again, but she could also easily turn his family against him – Mexico was especially unwelcoming to LGBTQ people at this time. One night while out at a gay bar with his best friend Sandra (Michelle Rodriguez), he forms an instant connection with the openly gay Gerardo (Christian Vasquez). The passion and romance blooms fast, but what comes afterwards is much more complicated.
The realities of how each man are not supported families are explored quite thoroughly. At points the film even flashes further in the past to showcase some of the mini-traumas Iván experienced as a child that have led him to how he feels today. With the lack of career opportunities and the rampant homophobia, it makes sense that Iván is drawn in by stories of people crossing over and living the American Dream. The temptation of a better life in America comes at the sacrifice of leaving behind Gerardo, his son and the ability to ever return home – he would have to make his way illegally, after all. The film presents as an exploration of homosexuality in Mexico, but it soon splinters off into a parade of different social issues such as poverty, immigration and racism. What are you to do when the American Dream is not as hopeful as advertised? The emotional isolation felt by Iván is captured quite acutely by Ewing, who has an eye for detail in the narrative and documentary portions of the feature.
Without ruining the realities of the current-day Iván, it will suffice to say that he is in a much different place – notably better, but still not perfect. The narrative portion of the story that we have followed for the majority of the film transitions to a documentary that catches you up with the life of this established chef. This portion of the film is very impactful, but the transition can feel a bit jarring and off-balance. There is a bit of a disconnect from the characters you have been following in this narrative and who you are now following in the “real world.” You are invested in the outcome, but in a different way than if Ewing had committed completely to a narrative or completely to a documentary. The film is emotionally raw and heartbreaking at various points, but it is also one filled with love. The emotional resonance of this story often is somewhat undercut thanks to these stylistic decisions, but there is still quite a bit to gain from experiencing this story. Ewing has helped share a story that is but one of many painful stories that have been similarly lived by persecuted figures. This is essential for building empathy for those who are so often overlooked. Even with a few awkward shortcomings, I Carry You With Me is painful and beautiful and vital.
Video Quality
I Carry You With Me comes to Blu-Ray in its original aspect ratio with a gorgeous 1080p presentation. This film is unique in the way it transitions from traditional narrative filmmaking to documentary footage as the story unfolds. The documentary footage looks as technically excellent as it can look in high definition as the cinematic aesthetic is replicated quite nicely here. The narrative filmmaking is even more impressive with a strong sense of depth and striking cinematography. The transfer appears to have plenty of room to breathe and there are no issues with compression artifacts, banding or other digital nuisances. Interview segments and scenes captured in the restaurant look sleek and clear depending on the filming conditions with natural skin tones and detailed facial features. The colors featured in the film are natural and vibrant as they provide a nice visual pop on screen. Black levels are appropriately deep and give way to a nice amount of detail in shadows. I do not see how this set could have been improved visually. It’s a beautiful transfer handled with care by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with a stellar DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original Spanish that accentuates this footage perfectly. Dialogue is the driving force of the film, and it comes through crisp and clear without being clipped by any competing sounds. Ewing does a really great job of capturing her subjects and making sure all this information comes through with supreme clarity. The music and the score from Jay Wadley establish the mood of the film, and those sounds are resolved well here as music often sleeks throughout the room. The chatter in the public locations they chose to film in provides a nice base texture to the proceedings. Ambient sounds are precisely placed in the rear channels. The audio track is not pushed to the limit with this content, but it nonetheless proves to be an excellent sounding presentation for this feature. There are optional English, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles included for those who desire them.
Special Features
- Theatrical Trailer: A two-minute trailer is provided for the film.
Final Thoughts
I Carry You With Me is a gentle yet visceral piece of filmmaking that shows some of the challenges of trying to exist in a world that is not ready to accept and support you. The decision to blend narrative storytelling with documentary footage does not always work in the story’s favor, but when handled well it is very impactful. The performances from the actors in the narrative sections are so strong that you almost wish they could have finished out the story. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a Blu-Ray featuring a really great A/V presentation but next to nothing in the real of special features. Recommended
I Carry You With Me is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
