Papi Chulo

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Local television weatherman “Sean” (Matt Bomer) has a bit of brain freeze whilst on air and is sent home for a few weeks of gardening leave. It’s then that we discover he has recently split from his boyfriend and all that’s left of the relationship is a mark on their patio where a plant once stood. He tries to see to it himself, but decides it’s best to get a little man in - and so drives down to the corner where the immigrants gather and recruits “Ernesto” (Alejandro Patiño). He doesn’t speak much English and gets on with his work but inexplicably “Sean” starts to find himself drawn to this older, straight and slightly bamboozled gent who is happy to take the cash for a day’s work but in no way sees his new benefactor in any sort of a sexual, or emotional, fashion. It only takes so long to cover a spot on the patio, so soon “Sean” is finding other excuses to spend time with “Ernesto” - much to the confusion of that man’s wife, but gradually the pair begin to understand and respect each other. It’s a film about friendship, pure and simple, and though Bomer is the star it’s really Patiño who steals the plaudits as his bemused character has to navigate this new world of his gay friend. Some of his facial expressions are hilarious as the story sort of meanders along without any obvious place to go, nor need to go either. At times it’s quite a potently amiable look at breaking down barriers, assumptions and stereotypes without their being an agenda - and is worth a look.

Full of dark revelations and scattered with offbeat satire, ‘Papi Chulo’ has an important message to share about mental health. Its pacing isn’t perfect and the result is a story that lags at times, but this film bravely tells a story rarely seen on screen, let alone from within the LGBT community. And fear not - despite its heavy subject, it finishes with a happy ending that’s both fitting and still grounded in reality. ‘Papi Chulo’ is an important start to a discussion that requires a much larger conversation. - Charlie David Page Read Charlie's full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-papi-chulo-a-deep-dark-comedy-dealing-with-lgbt-mental-health Head to https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/sff for more Sydney Film Festival reviews.