PAPI CHULO

John Butler 2018 Ireland 98min spanish & english s.-t.en.
Synopsis:
Following his coming-of-age tale Handsome Devil (Opening film, I+N 29), writer-director John Butler’s latest is a poignant, timely story of two worlds colliding, and the unlikely friendship that emerges. Devastated with heartbreak, an L.A. TV weatherman, Sean (Matt Bomer), has an on-air meltdown while predicting a heat wave. The station insists he take a sabbatical and his friends urge him to find someone to talk to, but Sean swaps self-care for home improvement. From a huddle of men seeking day labour outside the hardware store, Sean hires Ernesto (a brilliantly deadpan Alejandro Patiño) to paint his deck.

Their initially straightforward business arrangement rapidly extends to strolling and boating excursions during which Sean tells Ernesto all about himself, despite the fact the two don't share a common language. In fact, this affluent white, gay celebrity and this working class, Mexican father of five don't appear to have much in common at all. Does Sean want a tradesman or a sounding board? At once a heartwarming examination of empathy in action, a charming culture-clash comedy, and a critique of xenophobic stereotypes, Papi Chulo reminds us of the importance of truly seeing others.