Monica Sorelle’s Mountains’ protagonist is Xavier (Atibon Nazaire), a Haitian American immigrant who demolishes houses daily. It’s just a job to him until he notices two things. First is the racism he and fellow Black employees get from their white Cuban boss. The second is that these demolition sites get closer to his neighbourhood of Little Haiti. His home is a refuge. He tolerates his job for his wife Esperance (Sheila Anozier), a seamstress, and his son Junior (Chris Renois) an aspiring comedian.
Mountains does a better job that most films do in capturing the highs and lows of a person’s life. But of course, there are elements that capture the levities and pain of the Haitian American experience. Nothing will sting as much as hearing the one racial slur from Xavier’s boss’ son. But in another scene, nothing is as funny as Junior trying to hide from Xavier after a long night working comedy clubs. The film frames its scenes with fresh effortlessness.
Specifically, Mountains efficiently uses background and foreground. The scenes would not have the same horror nor humour if not for Sorelle and crew’s subtle hands. It also probably has the best sound design in movies I’ve seen and heard in recent memory. The sounds in demolition sites are just a few in the palimpsest of sounds that complement each other. If there’s any justice in this world, Mountains will be the kind of film that cinephiles will love and study for future generations.
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/8/2023
- Directed by: Monica Sorelle
- Starring: Atibon Nazaire, Sheila Anozier
- Produced by: Robert Colom
- Written by: Monica Sorelle, Robert Colom
- Studio: Filmes Conéme, Neon Heart Productions
