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Discover the intricate plot of Problemista (2024). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the opening scenes set against the vibrant backdrop of El Salvador, we meet young Alejandro Martinez (Logan J. Alarcon-Poucel), who is lovingly cared for by his mother Dolores (Catalina Saavedra). A talented artist, Dolores encourages her son’s blossoming creativity, while also grappling with anxieties about his future. This is beautifully illustrated when Alejandro, dressed in blue, courageously confronts a menacing creature with glowing red eyes inside a cave, as narrated by Isabella Rossellini (Isabella Rossellini).
Fast forward to the present, where Alejandro is now living in Bushwick, sharing an apartment with friends and pursuing his dream of becoming a toy designer at Hasbro. Although his roommate Spray (Spike Einbinder) offers various social outings, Alejandro remains steadfastly focused on his career aspirations. His inventive toy ideas include a Barbie doll with hidden crossed fingers, smartphone-enabled Cabbage Patch kids displaying unique messages, a Slinky that finds it difficult to descend steps, and a toy car that frequently suffers from flat tires. To his dismay, his application to Hasbro is ultimately rejected.
After this setback, Alejandro secures a job as an archivist at FreezeCorp, where he is tasked with looking after the cryogenically preserved artist, Bobby Asencio (RZA), who fell ill with cancer in the 1990s just before he was set to unveil an acclaimed exhibition of his egg-centered art. Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton), Bobby’s strong-willed wife, visits frequently to check on her husband, and encounters Alejandro while he tends to Bobby’s preservation chamber.
On Alejandro’s first day at FreezeCorp, an unfortunate accident occurs when he accidentally disconnects a blue cable from Bobby’s chamber. His supervisor catches wind of this mistake and alerts Sharon (Kelly McCormack), the manager, leading to Alejandro’s unexpected dismissal despite there being no real harm done. Following a heated exchange with Sharon regarding access to Bobby’s pod, Elizabeth meets Alejandro again and suggests he help her organize Bobby’s collection of 13 egg-themed artworks for an exhibition, promising to assist him with his residency issues. Alejandro consults with his immigration advisor, Mr. Khalil (Laith Nakli), who informs him that he cannot receive any pay from Elizabeth until her sponsorship becomes official, giving him a pressing 30-day deadline to avoid deportation.
Entrusted by Elizabeth, Alejandro must utilize the software FileMaster Pro to catalog Bobby’s art but feels too embarrassed to admit he has no experience with it. He also takes on odd jobs discovered on Craigslist, presented by a quirky character (Larry Owens). In an unexpected twist, he begins to rent his room to a struggling actor named Travis (Theo Maltz).
Things get more complicated when Alejandro learns that Elizabeth has engaged another assistant, Bingham (James Scully), who is wealthy and seeking to leap forward in his own art career. Despite Bingham’s negative remarks about Elizabeth, who he derogatorily calls a “monster,” Alejandro doesn’t share these thoughts.
As tension mounts, Elizabeth discovers a crucial painting by Bobby, “Blue Egg on Yellow Satin,” is missing from their collection, currently held by Dalia Park (Greta Lee), a former student and Bobby’s past lover. Their tumultuous history involves Elizabeth’s harsh past critiques that damaged Dalia’s credibility, prompting a visit to Dalia’s place with a heartfelt letter of apology, painstakingly crafted by Alejandro. Touched, Dalia agrees to return the painting.
In another significant moment with Khalil, Alejandro aids a Spanish-speaking woman to send her documents to the office, as she cannot deliver them herself. Khalil, impressed with Alejandro’s helpfulness, offers him a paralegal position, which could assist him in securing his visa.
Nevertheless, Alejandro encounters obstacles as he struggles to expedite shipment of the paintings due to an overdraft exceeding $400. In a metaphorical representation of his despair, Alejandro is shown trapped under the weight of rocks during a futile call with a bank representative. Back at home, Alejandro learns that Hasbro is actually launching the very Cabbage Patch Kids he had once pitched, but when he attempts to reach out to the company, he is met with silence.
In dire need of money, Alejandro reluctantly accepts a bizarre Craigslist job that he had been avoiding—cleaning in the nude for a client with unusual tastes. Following an awkward encounter, he is compensated for the job.
Afterward, a furious Elizabeth reaches out to Alejandro, frustrated that Bobby’s archives remain unsorted in FileMaster. She announces that Bingham will take over the task. However, luck seems to smile upon Alejandro as he receives an unexpected call from a Roosevelt Island art gallery, inviting him to stage a last-minute solo exhibition of Bobby’s work. Although Elizabeth’s first reaction is to dismiss the modest gallery’s prestige, Alejandro reminds her of her notorious reputation as “The Hydra” in the art world, suggesting that fixing one issue only leads to new ones. Eventually, he persuades her to agree to the exhibition.
The next day, while transporting Bobby’s artwork via tram to the gallery, chaos erupts when they realize the “Blue Egg on Yellow Satin” was left behind at the station. Elizabeth’s frustrations force the tram operator to make an impromptu return so they can retrieve it. Upon reaching the gallery, both Alejandro and Elizabeth are disappointed to see that the exhibition space cannot accommodate all of Bobby’s thirteen artworks. Using his quick thinking, Alejandro negotiates to position the extra works elsewhere, ensuring the essence of Bobby’s exhibition remains intact. With the paintings successfully sold, a personal moment of connection emerges between Elizabeth and Alejandro, during which she openly shares her anxieties regarding her relationship with Bobby after he’s revived.
Shortly thereafter, Alejandro reaches out to Dolores, buoyant about possibly securing a sponsor for his residency. However, soon after, he receives an extensive voicemail from Elizabeth, in which she reveals her intent to undergo cryogenic freezing to be rejoined with Bobby in the future. She concludes her message urging Alejandro to reach out to an employee at Hasbro concerning the appropriation of his toy idea and to assert his rights. The sense of urgency is underscored by an hourglass bearing Alejandro’s name rapidly depleting.
In a bold move, Alejandro confronts Brian Kissane (Miles G. Jackson) at Hasbro, the executive behind the approval of the smartphone-equipped Cabbage Patch Kids. He threatens to reveal proof that the idea originated from him unless Brian offers him a job, sponsorship, and recognition. Cornered, Brian reluctantly agrees. Bursting with joy, Alejandro and Dolores team up to develop new toy concepts.
The narrative propels us forward in time by more than three centuries, where FreezeCorp is staging a revival ceremony for all those previously cryogenically preserved. Elizabeth appears temperamental, while Bobby displays reluctance towards their new existence. During the ceremony, Elizabeth complains to the bartender about being interrupted before the conclusion of opening remarks until an aged Alejandro (Carlos Navedo), who has also recently been revived, spots her and begins to approach. Recognized as the creator of the popular toy line “My Little Problems,” Alejandro soon finds himself at the center of another chaos when Elizabeth berates him over the disarray of databases. However, he reassures her that he has mastered FileMaster, and everything is now in perfect order. Taken aback, Elizabeth gazes at her longtime acquaintance as the narrator highlights Alejandro’s remarkable journey, illustrating that he indeed faced the world boldly, dressed in blue, confronting metaphorical monsters with undaunted spirit.
Track the key events of Problemista (2024) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Alejandro
In the opening scenes set in El Salvador, we meet young Alejandro Martinez, a gifted artist nurtured by his mother, Dolores. Dolores encourages Alejandro's creativity while grappling with her worries about his future, establishing a blend of love and apprehension in their relationship.
Confrontation in the Cave
A defining moment occurs when young Alejandro, dressed in blue, confronts a terrifying creature with glowing red eyes in a cave. This metaphorical battle signifies his courage and artistic spirit as a child.
Moving to Bushwick
Fast forward to present-day Bushwick, where Alejandro has relocated to pursue his dream of becoming a toy designer. Despite living with friends and the distractions of city life, he remains focused on his aspirations in the toy industry.
Rejection from Hasbro
Alejandro's ambitious designs, including innovative concepts for toys, are met with disappointment as his application to Hasbro is rejected. This setback forces him to reassess his goals and navigate the complexities of adult life.
Job at FreezeCorp
After the blow from Hasbro, Alejandro secures a position as an archivist at FreezeCorp, where he is entrusted with the cryogenically preserved artist Bobby Asencio. This job intertwines his fate with Bobby's and sets the stage for future challenges.
Accidental Dismissal
On his first day at FreezeCorp, Alejandro accidentally disconnects a crucial cable from Bobby's chamber, leading to a hasty dismissal from his supervisor. This incident underscores the precariousness of his situation and the pressure he faces.
Organizing Bobby's Art
A chance meeting with Bobby's wife, Elizabeth, leads Alejandro to assist in organizing Bobby's egg-themed artworks for an exhibition. This new role not only provides him with a chance to engage with art but also comes with strings attached regarding his visa status.
Connection with Khalil
Alejandro's desperation grows when he learns he cannot receive any pay until Elizabeth's sponsorship formalizes. His immigration advisor, Khalil, introduces him to a potential paralegal position, providing a glimmer of hope amidst his turmoil.
Finding Missing Artwork
Tensions escalate when Elizabeth discovers that a key painting, 'Blue Egg on Yellow Satin', is missing. Alejandro's negotiation skills are put to the test as he crafts an apology letter to its current holder to retrieve the artwork, revealing the intricate ties of their personal histories.
Unexpected Job Offer
Alejandro eventually takes a peculiar job cleaning in the nude, navigating his desperation with humor. This bizarre experience underscores the lengths he must go to secure financial stability while pursuing his dreams.
Invitation to Exhibit
Just as Alejandro faces further setbacks with Elizabeth's frustrations, he receives an unexpected call inviting him to hold a solo exhibition of Bobby's work. This opportunity reignites hope and challenges him to negotiate the exhibition's details.
The Gallery Chaos
Chaos ensues on the day of transport when the key painting is left behind, prompting a frantic return to retrieve it. Alejandro’s quick thinking allows him to salvage the situation, demonstrating his commitment to Bobby's legacy.
Elizabeth's Confession
Following the exhibition's success, Elizabeth shares her fears about her relationship with Bobby after his revival. This personal exchange between Alejandro and Elizabeth deepens their bond amidst the chaos of their professional lives.
Confrontation with Hasbro
Alejandro boldly confronts Brian Kissane at Hasbro about his stolen toy ideas, threatening to expose the truth unless he receives a job and sponsorship. His courage leads to a pivotal moment that could change his fate.
Future at FreezeCorp
In a surprising turn, years later, an aged Alejandro reunites with Elizabeth at a revival ceremony for those previously cryogenically preserved. Their past intertwines as he confidently showcases his achievements while she grapples with their shared history.
Meet the characters that bring Problemista (2024) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Alejandro Martinez
Alejandro is a talented young artist with dreams of becoming a toy designer. He is determined, resourceful, and undaunted by challenges, reflecting his creativity through innovative ideas despite facing setbacks. His journey of self-discovery is laced with aspirations of success and the desire for validation in the art world.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a strong-willed and complex character who represents both the fragility and strength of relationships within the arts. As Bobby's wife, she grapples with past traumas and the responsibility of preserving his legacy. Her interactions with Alejandro reveal a vulnerable side as she navigates love, loss, and her own ambitions in the art world.
Bobby Asencio
Bobby is a once-acclaimed artist whose life has been paused due to cancer. His character serves as the emotional anchor for the film, embodying the themes of creativity, loss, and the quest for redemption. His artistic legacy drives the plot, highlighting the impact of art on personal relationships.
Dolores
Dolores is Alejandro's nurturing mother, who fosters his artistic spirit while fearing for his future. Her character represents the protective nature of maternal love and the anxieties that often accompany it. Her encouragement is pivotal in Alejandro's creative journey.
Sharon
Sharon is the manager at FreezeCorp, embodying the challenges and harsh realities faced by those working in bureaucratic settings. While initially seeming unsympathetic, her character adds depth to the narrative as Alejandro's experiences unfold, revealing the complexities of workplace dynamics.
Uncover the settings of Problemista (2024), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1990s, Present Day, Future
The movie spans multiple time periods, starting in the 1990s when Bobby Asencio falls ill with cancer, and transitioning into the present day where Alejandro navigates his career as a toy designer. It also jumps into the future, showcasing the outcomes of cryogenic preservation and the eventual revival of characters. Each timeframe carries its own social and cultural implications, reflecting changes in the artistic landscape.
Location
El Salvador, Bushwick, FreezeCorp
El Salvador serves as the vibrant backdrop to the film's opening scenes, rich with cultural significance and natural beauty, known for its artistic heritage. The story then shifts to Bushwick, a lively neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, famous for its art scene and community spirit. FreezeCorp is a futuristic facility specializing in cryogenic preservation and serves as the main setting for Alejandro's interactions with Bobby and Elizabeth.
Explore the core themes of Problemista (2024). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Ambition
The theme of ambition is central to Alejandro's journey as he strives to become a toy designer and secure a residency. His determination to triumph over obstacles, such as his job rejection and immigration challenges, showcases his pursuit of artistic and professional fulfillment. This ambition is contrasted against the backdrop of European art traditions, represented by Bobby's history.
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Love and Loss
Love and loss permeate the relationships within the film, especially between Bobby and Elizabeth, and Alejandro's bond with his mother, Dolores. Elizabeth's struggles with Bobby's past and their future highlight the complexities of love entwined with the fear of loss. Alejandro's experiences reflect his longing for familial support as he navigates his personal and professional challenges.
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Time and Change
The passage of time plays a crucial role, emphasizing the inevitability of change and evolution. Alejandro's career aspirations occur within a contemporary setting while being continuously influenced by the artistic past of characters like Bobby. The narrative's leap into the future encapsulates the potential consequences of choices made in the present, provoking reflections on legacy and growth.
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