Simón is perfectly edited and moves through flashbacks and the current situation to unravel a suspenseful showcase of guilt, trauma, and survivability. As Simón’s life unfolds, the inopportune experiences from across the continent dwell upon the viewer. Add to that the remarkably honest, sincere, and nuanced performance of McGaffney. Reprising his role from the short, the actor successfully embodies each emotion, which undergoes a large arc. His contrasting portrayals of a strong student activist and an out-of-place immigrant help build a holistic interpretation of Simón. That, in turn, makes McGaffney become the voice of each individual who carries the same ever-hurting guilt and pain of abandonment.
Jana Nawartschi and Robert Jaramillo also come off as solid and essential supporting roles. Thanks to Vincentini’s writing of these other characters, they aren’t subjected to one dimension, even if this is a one-person story. Instead, their presence in Simón’s life is far-reaching and crucially momentous in shaping his conclusive arc (and hence, that of the movie).
“…remarkably honest, sincere, and nuanced…”
Horacio Martinez has magnificently captured Vincentini’s screenplay and McGaffney’s impressive acting through his lens. There’s a subtle difference between the scenes set amidst Venezuelan activism and protests and Miami’s pleasant summertime. His work on the movie speaks highly of his talent and craft, wherein he mesmerizes, especially with on-location sequences, as well as with close-ups and hand-held shots.
As the film culminates with our characters moving above their struggle, Simón leaves us with a strong message that relays the hard-hitting reflection on reality. It pays a heartfelt tribute to the activists of Venezuela and the masses of refugees that are part of the globe’s largest emigration. The credits reveal that it comprises several talents, performers, and technicians of Venezuelan roots who are directly or indirectly connected to the exodus. In that way, the film becomes a collective voice for the whole country and stands tall as a unification of the continuing movement for freedom from outside the borders.
For screening information, visit the Simón official website.
"…leaves us with a strong message that relays the hard-hitting reflection on reality."
