The Compatriots is a dramedy by director-screenwriter-editor Spencer Cohen. Cohen’s film is loosely based on the life experiences of his best friend, Alberto Sayan (who’s also a producer on the project). The story tackles what it means to be an American, as there is heavy emphasis on the challenges of living as an illegal immigrant and a homosexual.
Javi (Rafael Silva) and Hunter (Denis Shepherd) are best friends. During their senior year of high school, things go awry on the night of winning their baseball game. Hunter is celebrating Javi for his amazing play on the field. Ryan (Dakota Lustick), Hunter’s other close friend, is jealous of him getting all the attention. Also, Tracy (Caroline Portu), Hunter’s girlfriend, is uncertain about their future as they are getting ready to leave for college. In a private moment when Hunter shows his appreciation of his friendship with Javi, it creates an awkward encounter. Javi mistakes it as a moment of affection as he kisses him on the lips. Unbeknownst to them, Ryan took a picture and sent it to everyone at the party. Hunter and Javi’s friendship is now fractured.
Five years later, it is a time of growing pains and taking charge of the future. Javi is juggling multiple jobs and attending college while taking care of his Peruvian father, Alejandro (Alfredo Huereca). Tracy graduated and is undecided on what to do next with her life. Hunter is at a high school reunion at a local pub, where he reconnects with Javi. Here, he learns that his best friend is to be deported. Simultaneously, ICE agents are tipped off that the place has illegals on its staff. Ryan, who wants to move beyond his measly job as a crossing guard, befriends the agents to capture and deport Javi. Hunter is shocked to learn of Javi’s illegal status and comes up with a crazy scheme for them to get married.
“Hunter is shocked to learn of Javi’s illegal status and comes up with a crazy plan for them to get married.”
Cohen’s film shines when focusing on the interpersonal struggles of its characters. These individuals are twenty-somethings figuring out the next steps of life, and it adds an extra level of relatability. Rafael Silva captures Javi’s quirkiness and loneliness with a restrained performance, which makes him compelling. The Compatriots speaks beyond identity politics in an emotional scene between Javi and his father, where there is an emphasis on one’s heart versus what you look like on the outside.
Ryan’s arc with the ICE agents felt contrived and unrealistic. On paper, it should work because his storyline connects with Hunter, Javi, and themes about what it means to be an American. Instead, it weakens the fil,m and tackling political material requires a level of balance. This flaw does not take away from Spencer Cohen’s solid directing of his exceptional cast.
The Compatriots is worth a look because it speaks to one’s personal happiness and humanity. With its strong messages of redemption and second chances, it is guaranteed to reach a wide audience!
For screening information, visit The Compatriots‘ official website.
"…speaks beyond identity politics..."
