Is Esto no es SadFace Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2023, Esto no es SadFace represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Bruce Blanco, a decadent retired rockstar, is the founder of the legendary band SadFace. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Bruce Blanco, a decadent retired rockstar, is the founder of the legendary band SadFace. Bruce aspires to revive his days of glory. After Bob's death, a former member of the band, Bruce sees an opportunity to bring SadFace back to life when he meets Remy, Bob's son. Remy, a misfit teenager with three friends, wants to follow his father's step by becoming a rockstar himself. Bruce, Remy and his friends will struggle together to rescue the band out of oblivion, but their aspirations will be threatened by Asli, Bradley's daughter, another former member of the band who had an overdose. Asli blames Bruce for his father's death, so she will do anything to stop him from reviving SadFace."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Jorge Luis Moreno, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Modern Cinema genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by José Salaverría is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 83 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Esto no es SadFace truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Esto no es SadFace explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and José Salaverría respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Esto no es SadFace is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jorge Luis Moreno or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Esto no es SadFace is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.