February

In the second installment of his set in Wisconsin, “Year Project,” Nathan Deming’s February is the story of culture and the feeling of being different. Miguel (David Ezekiel Duran) is a Mexican immigrant who just moved to a small Wisconsin town with his sister Rosa (Nayeli Michelle Hernandez) and brother-in-law Louie (Erick Inestroza). He works odd jobs to help pay the rent, but he has difficulty fitting in, unlike Louie, who does quite well with his American co-workers.

While wandering the local clothes store, Miguel discovers a mannequin display featuring ice fishing. Curious, he goes to the library to research the sport. When Miguel asks Louie and his co-workers about the sport, they all think it’s dumb and suggest he hang out with Carl (Richie Gordon), who is a bit of a loose cannon.

“…two strangers, Miguel and Carl, brought together with no commonality other than ice fishing…”

February is a strangely sweet tale of friendship born out of a simple hobby. The second half of the film has two strangers, Miguel and Carl, brought together with no commonality other than ice fishing and how an overnight fishing trip on the ice can bring two very different people together.

There’s a sweetness that radiates from this unlikely friendship. David Ezekiel Duran gives an unstated performance as Miguel. He’s stoic, letting his awkward interactions with the Wisconsin town never phase him physically. As Carl, Richie Gordon gives what appears to be a stereotypical “redneck” outdoorsman vibe, which he never strays away from. The heart of the film is how these two ultimately become friends in an authentic and non-preachy manner. Race never needs to become a thing unless you make it one.

February is a quiet, heartfelt reminder that human connection can come from the most unexpected places—even an ice-covered lake in Wisconsin. The film sidesteps cliché, delivering a sincere story about two strangers finding common ground.