TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025 REVIEW! Under The Same Sun (Bajo el Mismo Sol) is only the second feature director Ulisses Porra has taken the helm of all by himself, and his third altogether. Written by Porra and Ulla Prida, the drama centers on Lazaro (David Castillo) as he seeks to complete his father’s final wishes. He’s traveling with Mei (Valentina Shen Wu), a Chinese woman integral to the plan of establishing a silk factory on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The issue is that the region is seeing massive turmoil and upheaval, which puts the French, who colonized much of the area, on constant edge.
Haitian soldier Baptiste (Jean Jean) helps the duo at a crucial moment and stays with them, having just fled the army. However, Lazaro and Baptiste are at odds because the soldier is everything the meek man wishes he was: confident, swift to act, and not afraid of his own desires. However, personality clashes are the least of anyone’s worries, as nature, religion, and an ever-shifting political landscape put the trio in the crosshairs at every turn.
Set in around 1818 or 1819, Under The Same Sun (Bajo el Mismo Sol) immerses audiences into a past that still feels relevant. The politics at play just prove that desperate people will do anything to get into and keep power, everyone else be damned. The dismissive nature of bishops and nuns alike highlights the hypocrisy of religious texts versus those who claim to represent the teachings of those religions best. Lazaro views himself as above all others, despite all evidence to the contrary. He’s shocked and appalled to learn that a non-white family took over his father’s bed. But Lazaro is too much of a coward to cause a scene, so he just stews in silence. Thematically, despite the narrative being set over 200 years ago, its message is needed now more than ever.
“…[establish] a silk factory on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. The issue is that the region is seeing massive turmoil and upheaval…”
Unfortunately, not everything works here. A fight very early on seemingly comes out of nowhere and ends just as abruptly. A French patrol attacking Lazaro and Baptiste is so tightly filmed that it is unclear what exactly happens. A sex scene doesn’t work as blocked because it comes across as strangely mean for two of the characters. There’s a whole bit about nuns and looms and Mei, but it ultimately is just filler.
However, there’s still much to appreciate. Sebastian Cabrera Chelin’s cinematography, fight scenes notwithstanding, captures the full majesty of Hispaniola. The night scenes drip with intensity and beauty. The music, from composer Josefina Barreix, perfectly matches every action and underscores the emotions wonderfully. The cast is also excellent, with Wu surprising at every turn, in her debut picture to boot.
Under The Same Sun (Bajo el Mismo Sol) is an absorbing and timely drama. While not every moment is needed or makes complete sense, the story still envelops all watching thanks to the music and cinematography. The cast is great, with Wu taking on a demanding role and making it relatable.
Under The Same Sun (Bajo el Mismo Sol) screened at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
"…absorbing and timely..."
