Sujo lives in a Mexico plagued by violence and corruption.
When his father, a hired gunman, makes a mistake and kills the son of the cartel boss, events mean the young boy has to grow up in the literal shadows to avoid discovery and execution for what he may become.
This character story has considerable contemporary relevance as there are real instances around the world of children being killed to prevent them becoming adults who may or may not be dangerous.
The film, which is visually stunning and beautifully photographed, is a slow-burning character study across five chapters.
Named for other characters in the story, the chapters are nevertheless presented from Sujo’s point of view, sometimes literally, starting with him as that youngster of three or four who watches as his dad kills another, and then has to hide from those seeking revenge on the family.
Sujo is about expectation, tradition, and a toxic world in which violence begets violence and men are expected to embrace the gun from an early age.
Whether or not Sujo can avoid the pattern that sent his father to an early grave is explored in detail, with well-detailed characters and a strong plot that builds up its tension by focusing on the little things.
Written and directed by Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez, Sujo also benefits from seeing this way of life through female eyes, and the character of Nemesia in particular (played by Yadira Perez) adds a layer as our surrogate observer and silent commentator.
Kevin Aguilar and Juan Jesus Varela share the role of Sujo, and both are excellent, convincing actors who really pull you into this one story of honour and sacrifice.
However, I found the film unrelentingly dark in its composition, which was a slight issue when watching a screener at home.
4 stars
Sujo (2024, Mexico, wr/dir Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez) was shown at the Vashon Island Film Festival.