Pulling Strings 2013

In the bustling streets of Mexico City, Alejandro Fernandez, a devoted mariachi singer, grapples with the haunting memories of his late wife, which leave an emotional void that shadows his daily life. His daughter, Maria, often feels overlooked as Alejandro’s career takes precedence over their relationship. In an effort to enhance their circumstances, Alejandro dreams of securing a visa for Maria to stay with her grandparents in Arizona. However, this aspiration is shattered when Rachel Simons, an intelligent diplomat, declines his request for the required documentation.

Fresh from a recent promotion in London, Rachel is now stationed at the United States Embassy in Mexico City. Alongside her new responsibilities, she inherits a laptop brimming with sensitive data, invoking additional stress when coupled with the harsh criticisms from her overbearing mother, who constantly belittles her lifestyle choices.

As Rachel’s goodbye party approaches, Alejandro and his band are invited to perform. He can’t help but catch Rachel’s eye multiple times, yet she remains oblivious to his charms. After indulging in a few too many drinks, Rachel finds herself seeking refuge at a bus stop when Alejandro comes to her aid, offering her a taxi ride back to his home where she can rest.

The next morning, Maria’s playful antics awaken Rachel abruptly, triggering a panic as she realizes her laptop is missing. Alejandro, ever resourceful, manages to conceal the device while offering his assistance in locating it, aided by the comedic relief provided by Carlos Nicanor “Canicas” Castro, a band member. This situation presents Alejandro with a golden opportunity to earn Rachel’s trust, as he hatches a plan to persuade her to help him secure the visa he desperately needs. He involves various individuals in Mexico City, from the bar owner where Rachel’s party was held to embassy staff and even a black-market dealer, to ensure his scheme’s authenticity.

As Alejandro and Rachel’s paths intertwine, he inadvertently neglects his performance for Maria and arrives late to her school. This oversight, however, fosters a growing connection between Alejandro and Rachel, as they begin to share personal stories of their respective struggles with forming meaningful relationships. Rachel opens up about her father’s absence due to work commitments before his untimely passing, which has left an emotional scar.

As time slips away, Alejandro’s financial troubles escalate, worsened by the pressuring presence of Hapi, a formidable loan shark. The precarious situation takes a turn when Hapi breaks into Alejandro’s home and steals Rachel’s laptop. With just three hours left to pay off a 20,000 pesos debt, Rachel proposes an ingenious idea: they could utilize Alejandro’s musical talents to earn money by selling albums and performing with his band. Amidst the tension, a romantic spark ignites, leading to a passionate kiss between them. However, when Alejandro reaches out to pay Hapi, he realizes he’s still 2,000 pesos short. In a last-ditch effort, Rachel offers her boss’s watch as collateral. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to them, Alejandro and Canicas discover that the laptop has gone missing from its case, yet they wisely decide to keep this information from Rachel.

As events unfold, Rachel’s experience pivots with the realization that her lost laptop has inadvertently revealed deeper feelings—she has found love in Alejandro. Their relationship flourishes, marked by a series of intimate moments. However, upon waking one morning, Rachel notices Maria’s stickers adorning the laptop keyboard and comes to the painful conclusion that Alejandro manipulated her into helping him secure a visa for his daughter. Feeling betrayed, she abruptly leaves Alejandro, shutting down any conversation.

Days turn into weeks, and Alejandro is engulfed in a deep depression, tormented by regret over his actions. Meanwhile, Rachel decides to take an opportunity in London, determined to move on despite her unresolved feelings. Slowly, her mother comes to terms with her daughter’s career choices, recognizing that Rachel’s happiness takes precedence. Canicas attempts to lift Alejandro’s spirits, yet the weight of his regret remains heavy.

As Rachel prepares to leave for London, Alejandro, accompanied by Canicas and Carol, heads to the airport, driven by the hope of confessing his love and explaining himself. Yet, Rachel stands firm in her decision to leave, still grappling with the revelation that shattered their bond.

One month later, as Maria proudly completes third grade with excellent marks, the evening air is filled with the sweet sounds of mariachi music drifting through their window. Gazing outside, Alejandro and Maria see Rachel standing before them. She confesses that her feelings for Alejandro remain unchanged, asserting that there’s no substitute for him in London. The tension dissipates as the two embrace tenderly, reigniting the flame that once burned brightly between them, symbolizing hope and love’s enduring strength.