Identifying Features is a Mexican-American drama film directed by Fernanda Valadez. It tells the story of a mother, Magdalena, who is searching for her son, Jesús, after he has gone missing while attempting to cross the Mexican-American border. As she journeys through the barren and hostile terrain of Mexico, she meets Miguel, a young man who has just been deported from the US and is looking for his own mother.
The two strangers develop a friendship and team up to uncover the truth about what has happened to Jesús. Along the way, they encounter dangerous militia groups and witness the toll that immigration policies and violence have taken on the local communities. The film portrays the struggles and hardships faced by those who are forced to leave their homes and families behind in search of a better life, as well as the human connections that provide hope and support in the face of adversity.
The lead roles are played by Mercedes Hernandez and David Illescas, both giving powerful and emotional performances that showcase the pain and desperation of their characters. The cinematography by Claudia Becerril Bulos captures the stark beauty of the desert landscapes and adds to the film's haunting and contemplative atmosphere.
Identifying Features premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its timely and poignant portrayal of the human toll of immigration policies. It is a powerful and moving film that offers a poignant reflection on the struggles of those who are forced to navigate complex political realities in their fight for survival.
