Watch Maquinaria Panamericana

Maquinaria Panamericana is a Mexican film released in 2016 directed by Joaquín Del Paso. The movie is a dark comedy set in a struggling factory in Mexico City. The story starts with the announcement that the factory will go bankrupt, leaving its employees without a job. The workers, ranging from the accountant to the cleaning lady, decide to hide from their bosses in the factory and spend the night together embraced by the machinery they have been operating for years.

Throughout the movie, the audience is introduced to each character and their personal stories. Lonely security guard Rogelio (Javier Zaragoza) who is slowly losing his eyesight, manager Victor (Ramiro Orozco) who is desperate to save the factory, and administrative assistant Lety (Irene Ramirez) who has been trying to break off her relationship with a married coworker.

As the night goes on, tensions rise between the characters, and their darkest secrets slowly come to light. Alcohol consumption, physical confrontations and sexual tensions heighten the drama. As the sunrise approaches, the group is forced to confront their grim realities, and the fate of the factory hangs in the balance.

One of the most striking elements of Maquinaria Panamericana is the way it is shot - the film is almost entirely based in one location, the factory, and it is filmed with a static camera that lingers over each scene, without any cuts or editing. This decision creates a sense of claustrophobia and entrapment that mirrors the characters’ anxiety as they feel trapped in their difficult lives and the doomed factory.

The movie also features impressive performances by the cast, creating an ensemble that not only reveals their characters' complex personalities but also mixes comedy, drama and absurdity to deliver a thought-provoking piece.

Maquinaria Panamericana is a subtle critique of Mexico’s economic and political situation. The factory represents a microcosm of a society paralyzed by bureaucracy, exploitation, and poverty. The film brings to light the problems faced by the working class, their social struggles and their lack of choice in a system structured to perpetuate their disenfranchisement.

The film's soundtrack, made up of alternative rock songs, blends perfectly with the movie's provocative and offbeat feel, creating a somber, yet entertaining atmosphere.

Overall, Maquinaria Panamericana is an innovative movie that cleverly blends dark humor and social commentary. A slow-paced, dialogue-heavy film that will leave audiences contemplating the Mexican working-class experience, and the challenges of living in an economic system that leaves little room for hope.

Maquinaria Panamericana is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.