From the opening moments of his short film Business Trip (Viaje de Negocios), Mexican filmmaker Gerardo Coello Escalante takes us on a Hitchcockian trip of deceit with children as his stars.
Daniel (Rodrigo Mota), a young Mexican boy, arrives at school showing off to his friend, Pedro (Pablo Torres), a new pair of limited-edition sneakers that his father brought him from a high-end sneaker store in San Antonio. These red sneakers, decorated with light-up flames, catch the attention of others, who are impressed by his rare find.
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“…euphoria quickly turns to betrayal…”
The excitement shifts to confusion when Daniel spots a classmate, Rodrigo (Gerardo Saldaña), wearing the exact same sneakers. Curious, Daniel questions Rodrigo, who explains that he got his pair on a recent trip to San Antonio with his mother and her new boyfriend. As Rodrigo’s story aligns eerily with his own, Daniel’s initial surprise turns to suspicion.
What impresses me most about Business Trip is how very adult themes are seamlessly translated so easily to the same themes featuring children. It’s very much like a Hitchcockian tale but without death on the line. For Daniel, euphoria quickly turns to betrayal, and Daniel is driven to act upon his feelings.
Working with children is a mixed bag, but director Escalante has a firm hand on his story, and his child actors are pitch-perfect.
Business Trip (Viaje de Negocios) premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
"…A Hitchcockian trip of deceit—with kids as the stars!"
