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Identifying Features

Play trailer 2:05 Poster for Identifying Features 2021 1h 35m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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97% Tomatometer 69 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
A middle-aged woman embarks on an increasingly dangerous journey to locate her son, who's gone missing after leaving Mexico to find work in the United States.
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Identifying Features

Identifying Features

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Critics Consensus

A slow-burning descent into desperation, Identifying Features uses one shattered family's ordeal to offer a harrowing look at the immigrant experience.

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Critics Reviews

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Adam Nayman The Ringer 07/19/2021
The film uses Magdalena as both a viewer surrogate and witness, stranding her in a series of agonizing real-time set pieces and letting the stray details of place and culture speak eloquently for themselves. Go to Full Review
Simran Hans Observer (UK) 05/02/2021
4/5
A sunrise stains a lake pink, a violent flashback is blurry and unsubtitled; Valadez's expressionist images give texture to the abstract emotions of rage and pain. Go to Full Review
Peter Bradshaw Guardian 04/30/2021
4/5
This film is a cry of rage or a cry for help, on behalf of people in Mexico who have been abandoned to lawlessness, corruption and the vast market forces created by its northern neighbour. Go to Full Review
Julian Singleton Cinapse Jul 12
Valadez’s direction...is much like her protagonist’s determination — unwavering, headstrong, and willing to accept whatever truth can be salvaged at the end of the path. No matter how heartbreaking it may be. Go to Full Review
Joshua Arispe Loud and Clear Reviews 12/14/2024
4/5
In Identifying Features, Fernanda Valadez covers the harsh environment of the Mexican border, showcasing a refreshing and potent take on an often-revisited subject. Go to Full Review
Ethan Gordon InSession Film 03/21/2024
B-
The reveal is crushing but somehow also too easy. To some degree, the ending feels like Valadez undercutting the detached, glacial nature of her movie, which is exactly what made it work in the first place. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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#1critic R @XxKasholaXx Jan 28 It was a well made movie, but could easily have been titled “Ahora me escuchas/ can you hear me now?” The entire movie was an excellent cell phone commercial. Good gracious! See more Stewart L Jan 19 Sin Señas Particulares is a visually stunning and emotionally provocative film that captures the raw pain of a mother searching for her missing son in a world marked by violence and injustice. The breathtaking cinematography contrasts with the harsh realities of migration and impunity in Mexico, making the story all the more impactful. It’s a poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience that leaves a lasting impression. See more Flixster F 01/21/2023 Slow burners don't suit me. I'm really not interested in slow-mos, long shots of scenery, seeing people walking, running, dancing, etc. that doesn't add anything to the story. This was a short terribly dragged to 90+ minutes. Not that it's the first of its kind or the last either as there's an audience for the types. See more 10/25/2021 A little too slow and too boring, but good effort. See more 10/03/2021 One of the crudest and most real stories i have ever seen, great performances, widly dinamic pacing and flawless photography See more nefasto r @Nefasto 10/01/2021 Slow-burning, yes, but at the end of it you'll find yourself on fire. Gorgeous scenes. See more Read all reviews
Identifying Features

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Movie Info

Synopsis A middle-aged woman embarks on an increasingly dangerous journey to locate her son, who's gone missing after leaving Mexico to find work in the United States.
Director
Fernanda Valadez
Producer
Jack Zagha Kababie, Astrid Rondero, Fernanda Valadez, Yossy Zagha
Screenwriter
Astrid Rondero, Fernanda Valadez
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Production Co
Corpulenta Producciones, Nephilim Producciones, Avanti Pictures, Foprocine, EnAguas Cine
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Spanish
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 22, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 23, 2021
Runtime
1h 35m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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