Watch La Serenata

La Serenata (The Serenade) is a 2019 Mexican drama film that explores themes of love, family, and identity through the eyes of a queer couple living in Los Angeles. The movie stars Marlene Beltran Cuauhtin as Marisol, a young Latina musician who dreams of becoming a famous singer, and Malik Quetzalcoatl Cano as Jorge, her partner and the father of her daughter.

The story begins with Marisol and Jorge struggling to make ends meet in LA, where they work as street musicians. Despite their financial hardships, they remain deeply in love and committed to each other, finding solace in their music and in the company of their daughter, Lupita. However, as they navigate the challenges of living as undocumented immigrants, they become increasingly aware of the threats that loom over them, including the risk of deportation.

As the film progresses, we see Marisol and Jorge grappling with the complexities of their relationship, as they confront longstanding tensions and resentments that have built up over time. While Marisol is determined to pursue her music career and leave LA behind, Jorge feels a profound sense of attachment to the city and to the community they have built there. As they embark on a journey to perform a serenade for a famous singer, they are forced to confront their differences and their hopes for the future.

Despite the weighty issues at the heart of the film, La Serenata is ultimately a love story, one that celebrates the beauty and resilience of queer Latinx identities. Through stunning musical performances and intimate, heartfelt moments, the film captures the tenderness and affection that exists between Marisol and Jorge, despite their struggles. In doing so, it paints a powerful portrait of a community that is often overlooked and marginalized in mainstream media.

One of the most striking aspects of La Serenata is its use of music, which serves as both a narrative device and an expression of the characters' emotions. The film features a range of musical genres, including traditional Mexican folk music, jazz, and pop, all of which are woven seamlessly into the story. The result is a richly textured and emotional film that is brimming with life and energy.

Another standout feature of the film is its gorgeous cinematography, which captures the vibrant colors and textures of LA's urban landscape. The camera lingers on the faces of the characters, capturing their expressions and gestures in a way that feels intimate and authentic. This attention to detail gives the film a sense of immediacy and realism, drawing the viewer into the world of the story.

Overall, La Serenata is a deeply moving and poignant film that deserves to be seen by a wide audience. It deals with important issues around immigration and queer identity in a way that is both powerful and accessible, offering a nuanced portrayal of a community that is often misunderstood and maligned. With its gorgeously rendered musical sequences, powerful performances, and richly textured storytelling, it is a film that will linger in your memory long after the credits roll.