Plot
Exquisitely fashioned in the stark contrast of black and white, 'Caiman's Dream' paints a grotesque yet humorous tableau, harking back to the quintessential Mexican cinema of the 1950s and the melodrama of Latino soap operas. Our protagonist, Inaki, a young Spaniard, pairs with an elderly man to tread the treacherous path of petty thievery. But a seemingly ordinary heist takes a sinister turn with the sudden demise of his partner, forcing Inaki into a life on the lam.
Seeking refuge, he returns to his homeland, Mexico, and takes shelter in a quaint boarding house. This is the home his father, Patxi, shares with his brother El Caiman, under the ebullient management of Aunt Carmen - a vivacious drag queen. As Inaki embarks on a romantic journey with Carmen's niece, Carmen herself dreams of Inaki's transformation into a respectable doctor.
However, the shadows of his past are long and dark. Patxi and Caiman, privy to his history, foresee his inevitable return to a life of crime. But beneath their flawed façades, each character is propelled by the shared dream of liberation, a destination they stumble towards with a blend of hope and desperation.
'Caiman's Dream' is a testament to cinematic artistry, bagging the Best Feature Film award at the 2002 Guadalajara Mexican Film Festival and earning numerous accolades in the festival circuit. It is a poignant exploration of lies and truths, dreams and realities, set amidst a group of dreamers chasing their elusive freedom.
Where to watch Caiman's Dream?
Caiman's Dream is a comedy movie featuring Patricia Reyes Spíndola and directed by Beto Gómez.
Caiman's Dream is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.
It is also possible to buy Caiman's Dream on Amazon Video.