Identifying Features

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2:05

Identifying Features

2021

1h 35m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Adam Nayman

The Ringer

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.

Jul 19, 2021

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

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.

Rated: 4/5

May 2, 2021

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

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.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 30, 2021

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Julian Singleton

Cinapse

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.

Jul 12, 2025

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Joshua Arispe

Loud and Clear Reviews

In Identifying Features, Fernanda Valadez covers the harsh environment of the Mexican border, showcasing a refreshing and potent take on an often-revisited subject.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 14, 2024

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Ethan Gordon

InSession Film

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.

Rated: B-

Mar 21, 2024

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#1critic R

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!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/25

Full Review

Stewart L

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/25

Full Review

Flixster F

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.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

Full Review

Audience Member

A little too slow and too boring, but good effort.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/21/25

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Audience Member

One of the crudest and most real stories i have ever seen, great performances, widly dinamic pacing and flawless photography

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

nefasto r

Slow-burning, yes, but at the end of it you'll find yourself on fire. Gorgeous scenes.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Fernanda Valadez

Director

Mercedes Hernández

Magdalena

David Illescas

Miguel

Juan Jesús Varela

Jesús

Ana Laura Rodríguez

Olivia

Armando García

Rigo

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Identifying Features: Trailer 1

2:05

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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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