Haitian-American filmmaker Monica Sorelle makes a notable entry into the realm of narrative features with "Mountains," a gentle yet resonant dive into the lives of an immigrant family amidst Miami's Little Haiti. The film, which unfurled its poetic narrative at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, is a reflection of Sorelle's own experiences, having been born and raised in Florida, meshed beautifully with Atibon Nazaire's quietly impactful performance as Xavier, a middle-aged Haitian demolition worker entangled in the very gentrification that threatens his community.
Sheila Anozier's portrayal of Xavier's wife, Esperance, exudes a radiant warmth that complements Nazaire’s presence, offering a story of struggle, familial bonds, and aspirational love. Chris Renois, as the couple's college dropout son Junior, convincingly navigates the cultural and generational tensions that trail his secret aspiration to become a stand-up comic, reflecting a youth caught between traditional expectations and the pursuit of personal identity.
Monica Sorelle’s directorial approach in 'Mountains' is a masterclass in naturalism, capturing life's small yet profound moments - kitchen conversations, marital intimacies, and the communal celebrations that bind the neighbourhood. Her narrative is both intimate and revealing, with Javier Labrador Deulofeu's cinematography guiding us through the evolving landscapes of Little Haiti, framing the decay of structures both physical and social as witnessed through Xavier's perspective.
"This film explores Miami’s racial dynamics, its never-ending development and redevelopment, and the sisyphean effort to survive and establish oneself in a system that never seems to keep us in mind. Additionally, Mountains explores the intergenerational divide between immigrant parents and their children and the dichotomy between sacrifice and expectation," as Sorelle explained.
'Mountains' delves beyond the superficial layer of gentrification to explore profound questions of identity and the pursuit of a better life. It underscores the paradox of Xavier’s job, which paradoxically serves as both the escape route and the chains that keep his aspirations just out of reach. Sorelle brings to life a multifaceted and captivating Miami seldom seen on screen - one that veers from the glamorous shorelines to expose the personal and psychological landscapes of its residents.
As an international premiere, "Mountains" stood out at TIFF with its artful blend of cinema that echoes the works of social realists, proving Sorelle’s prowess and staking her claim as a filmmaker to pay attention to. Supported by solid performances and a script tightly woven with the cultural fabric of its setting, "Mountains" is more than just a film; it’s an experience and a tribute to the resilient spirit of immigrant families facing the tides of change.
In its 95-minute runtime, 'Mountains' emerges as a poignant, insightful, and unadorned portrayal of one family’s resilience against the homogenizing force of gentrification, even as they conquer their own personal peaks. It is a film that demands attention, sparks conversation, and, above all, leaves a lasting imprint for its intimate depiction of a community and a city at a critical juncture.
