The Garden Left Behind

2019

1h 28m

Drama

LGBTQ+

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List

90%

69 Reviews

Tomatometer

88%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

A Mexican trans woman struggles to build a life for herself as an undocumented immigrant in New York City.

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Critics Consensus

The Garden Left Behind draws on one immigrant's journey to offer graceful, thought-provoking commentary on timely sociopolitical themes.

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Trans l L

Amazing movie and I'm only 22 minutes in❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film was fantastic! It packs such an emotional punch and allows the viewer into a world that is not often authentically represented on the screen. The writing, directing and cinematography were nuanced and moving, making for a must-see film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

dave d

While the film isn't revolutionary, it does plant a seed by allowing dozens of trans actors, and behind the scenes personal to make a movie. That fact should make you smile. We get Ed Asner for crying out loud. One of the loudest progressive voices out there, Asner has done a lot of voice acting of late. Seeing him here, even if the scenes are brief brings an energy and class to the picture. Flavio Alves has written and directed four shorts, but this is his first feature length venture and it was funded in large part by EBAY. Yes, you read that right. Michael Madsen may have star billing, however he is in two scenes, probably filmed over a few hours. Carlie Guevara is the star and while the story has heft, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. Guevara is a novice at best and is often distracting. I appreciate how trans characters are played by trans actors. While there is still a long way to go, this film is a giant step forward from the ways trans characters were portrayed in the past. All that said the final few scenes had a power thanks to Alves. It's heartening to know films like this can be made. Final score: 6.5/10

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

One star because these are important stories and topics that need to be told. However, the script dialogue is horrendous. The acting atrocious. Riddled with lgbt cliché's: Main character not only struggles transitioning, but also health problems, immigrant status, financial woes, AND a jerk boyfriend. I'm honestly surprised she didn't die of AIDs in the end. No that'd be too easy, let's bludgeon her in the streets.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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Audience Member

A perfect story about being human. It's urgent and important film.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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mc donald p

"Made to deliver timely message rather than perfection which is compelling and heartbreaking at some point" The movie successfully stressed out that the members of 'trans-gender community' deserves respect and freedom on society. The cast is good and often prove the worth of their role that fits to the emotional sense of the story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Flavio Alves

Director

Michael Madsen

Kevin

Ed Asner

Dr. Cleary

Carlie Guevara

Tina

Danny Flaherty

Oscar

Anthony Abdo

Chris

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Cath Clarke

Guardian

First-time actor Guevara's performance as Tina has a radiant quality, soulful and touchingly gentle, though her line readings are a little stilted at times.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 26, 2021

Full Review

Monica Castillo

RogerEbert.com

There's a secondary plot in The Garden Left Behind that's dizzyingly misguided.

Rated: 1/4

Aug 28, 2020

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

"The Garden Left Behind" will break your heart; a film of utter grace, poignancy and deep understanding.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 27, 2020

Full Review

Alessandra Rangel

InSession Film

The Garden Left Behind is a worthy entry in the rather scarce filmography about the lives of trans people. With a sensitive touch, this movie addresses issues of identity, immigration, and acceptance.

Rated: B-

Mar 13, 2023

Full Review

Cody Dericks

Next Best Picture

There's a fine line between a sympathetic portrait of someone and an almost exploitative look into the life of a socially marginalized person, and this film struggles at times to find a balance between these two qualities.

Rated: 5/10

Jul 5, 2022

Full Review

Jason Shawhan

Nashville Scene

The Garden Left Behind is vibrant and visceral, and packed with sincere and affecting performances.

Sep 10, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

A Mexican trans woman struggles to build a life for herself as an undocumented immigrant in New York City.

Director: Flavio Alves
Producer: Flavio Alves, Adam Beasley, Max Berger, Waqas Khan
Screenwriter: Flavio Alves, John Rotondo
Production Co: Autonomous Pictures, Queens Pictures
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 8, 2020
Runtime: 1h 28m

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