Problemista (2024) is a surrealist comedy-drama that follows Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, as he navigates the challenges of pursuing his dreams in New York City. Despite his innovative ideas, Alejandro struggles to secure a position at Hasbro and ends up working at FreezeCorp, a company that cryogenically preserves artists. After losing this job due to an accident, he faces deportation and has 30 days to find a new sponsor for his work visa. His path crosses with Elizabeth, an eccentric art critic and widow of a cryogenically frozen artist, who hires him as her assistant with the promise of sponsorship. Together, they embark on a tumultuous journey to organize an exhibition of her late husband’s work, confronting bureaucratic obstacles and personal challenges along the way.

The film is the directorial debut of Julio Torres, who also stars as Alejandro, with Tilda Swinton delivering a standout performance as the unpredictable Elizabeth. “Problemista” blends whimsical storytelling with poignant social commentary, reflecting Torres’s own experiences with the U.S. immigration system. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, resilience, and the complexities of the immigrant experience, all set against a backdrop of surreal visuals and imaginative design. The film has been praised for its unique comedic style and heartfelt portrayal of the pursuit of creative dreams amidst systemic challenges.