Frontera (2014)

Frontera Poster

After crossing the border illegally for work, Miguel, a hard-working father and devoted husband, finds himself wrongfully accused of murdering a former sheriff’s wife. After learning of his imprisonment, Miguel’s pregnant wife tries to come to his aid and lands in the hands of corrupt coyotes who hold her for ransom. Dissatisfied with the police department’s investigation, the former sheriff tries to uncover the truth about his wife’s death and discovers disturbing evidence that will destroy one family’s future, or tear another’s apart.

Overview
"Frontera" is a 2014 American drama film set on the US-Mexico border, checking out the intricacies of migration, prejudice, law, and justice. The film functions as a social commentary on the border issues that have been a typical argument in American politics. Directed by Michael Berry, the movie stars like Ed Harris, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, and Amy Madigan. It is a stirring story that weaves together the stories of both American and Mexican families, each with their own set of adversities.

Plot
The story centers on Miguel (Michael Peña), a Mexican guy who crosses the US-Mexico border unlawfully to find work as he expects a better future for his pregnant partner Paulina (Eva Longoria). While Miguel and his pal are crossing unlawfully, they get reserved by two American kids, among whom shoots across the border, unbeknownst to them, resulting in the death of a previous Arizona Sheriff's other half.

Miguel is wrongfully implicated of this criminal activity due to his unlawful immigration status and the location of the occurrence. The county Sheriff, Roy (Ed Harris), a former colleague of his other half's late husband, sets out to prove Miguel's innocence, sensing an incident with the evidence.

Character Interactions
The film creates a compelling story with the interactions between the primary characters. Miguel is thrown into the extreme American prison system while Paulina is left attempting to apologize of the scenario in Mexico, facing harsh realities herself. Roy, on the other hand, fights with his own predispositions and the political pressure of his job as he looks for fact and justice for a criminal offense he thinks Miguel did not commit.

Styles
"Frontera" delves deep into themes of immigration, the problematic justice system, bigotry, and class inequality. The plot is a captivating take on the daily severe realities faced by immigrants illegally crossing the border and those trying to support the law on the other side. The film also highlights systemic concerns that add to the perpetuation of these problems.

Reception
The movie was met with combined reviews from critics, with some praising the performances, particularly that of Ed Harris, however noted issues concerning the execution of the script and the story. The film does, nevertheless, prosper in starting a rewarding discussion about immigration, border control, and justice - shedding light on the human side of these problems.

Conclusion
"Frontera" is more than simply a movie about border dispute. It presents a balanced viewpoint, aiming to show the complexities and gray areas in our systems and societies. Its strength depends on its characters and their psychological journeys. There are minutes of tenderness, humanity, and connection that happen throughout the lines that are expected to divide. The movie is a poignant reminder of the individual, often unnoticeable stories that lie beneath political disputes and headlines. In general, "Frontera" effectively uses the border as a metaphor for the bigger social limits and prejudices that frequently blur our perception of justice and equality.

Top Cast

  • Ed Harris (small)
    Ed Harris
    Roy
  • Eva Longoria (small)
    Eva Longoria
    Paulina
  • Michael Peña (small)
    Michael Peña
    Miguel
  • Amy Madigan (small)
    Amy Madigan
    Olivia
  • Kristen Rakes (small)
    Kristen Rakes
    ICE Guard
  • Seth Adkins (small)
    Seth Adkins
    Sean
  • Lora Martinez-Cunningham (small)
    Lora Martinez-Cunningham
    Laura Zamora
  • Mia Stallard (small)
    Mia Stallard
    Claire
  • Julio Cedillo (small)
    Julio Cedillo
    Ramon
  • Matthew Page (small)
    Matthew Page
    Carl
  • Dylan Kenin (small)
    Dylan Kenin
    ICE Agent