'The Infiltrators' Film Review: Doc-Narrative Hybrid Celebrates Defiant DREAMers

Chronicling the audacious acts of a group of organized undocumented youth prior to the Obama-implemented, temporary relief known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), “The Infiltrators,” from Latinx directors Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra, is a vital piece of hybrid cinema that shines light into the obscure realm of privately-operated immigration detention facilities. The timely film world-premiered Friday night at the Sundance Film Festival.

Interweaving firsthand accounts in talking-head format and scripted reenactments, Rivera and Ibarra construct a high-stakes, real-life drama centered on the National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA), comprised of resourceful and deeply committed DREAMers who’ve dared to defy the system, not only for their own benefit but also for the greater good.

“Everyone needs a plan,” says NIYA activist Marco Saavedra (played by Maynor Alvarado in the docufiction sections) when detailing their strategy behind the 2012 infiltration of the Broward Transitional Center, an immigration jail in Florida, in the hopes of contacting inmate Claudio Rojas (played by Manuel Uriza), an Argentine father with no criminal record.

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Risking deportation, Marco agrees to walk into the mouth of the beast and turns himself in to Homeland Security, his “personal Death Star.” Once inside, the determined young man enlists Claudio to spread the word about NIYA among the other detainees. Though occasionally stilted, the performances manage to enhance the creative non-fiction call to action by capturing experiences lived where cameras couldn’t go.

Outside, in documentary footage, NIYA’s Mohammad Abdollahi (an Iranian-born undocumented organizer) and his team escalate actions to force the government’s hand into releasing some of the men. Tension heightens, as they up the ante by sending member Viridiana Martinez (Chelsea Rendon) into the female side of the for-profit, prison-like center to serve the same function.

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As the nerve-wracking mission unfolds, the filmmakers introduce footage from NIYA’s makeshift headquarters, interviews with some of the DREAMers’ parents, and testimonials on the devastating losses endured by the immigrant community at large. Rivera and Ibarra highlight the selflessness and commendable bravery of their subjects, but even more so the belief that mobilizing in defense of a common ideal or to defeat a shared hardship is what gives power to the voiceless.

It’s been more than 10 years since Rivera first got on the Sundance radar with his unprecedented sci-fi film “Sleep Dealer,” a brilliant commentary on immigration, and five since Ibarra last made a feature, “Las Marthas,” about a peculiar Mexican-American tradition, but they’re back in full force for this joint storytelling venture. Their sensibilities are superbly aligned in “The Infiltrators,” while their aesthetic strengths complement each other: his experience with actors pairs well with her knowledge as a seasoned documentarian.

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What’s also notable about “The Infiltrators” is that it features a myriad of human stories that emerged from within the Broward detention center, not only pertaining to people originally from Latin America, but also those affected who came from places as remote as the Congo and Sri Lanka. (It may come as news to some that Latin Americans are not the only immigrants of color struggling under the current system.) Their wish for a chance at a safe future in the company of their families is an undivided dream.

Bringing down the wall from within is the heroic campaign that NIYA, and countless others organizations like United We Dream, are pursuing, not to antagonize but as an act of self-defense. To that end, “The Infiltrators” is eye-opening on both sides: It delivers an encouraging example of the power of a united people, and it opens a window into the abuses and inhumane separations that are carried out under the guise of protecting the nation.

15 Buzziest Sundance Movies: From Shia LaBeouf's 'Honey Boy' to 'Leaving Neverland' (Photos)

Park City, Utah, is about to be flush with cash -- and we're not talking about buying apres ski gear. Here are the most buzzed-about titles of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. (Note: some already have distributors).
"After the Wedding"

Filmmaker Bart Freundlich has enlisted esteemed actresses Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams to lead this adaptation of Danish director Susanne Bier's Oscar-winning film of the same name. After being invited to the wedding of Theresa’s (Moore) daughter, Isabel (Williams) discovers a connection to Theresa that takes her on an unexpected journey into her own past.
Sundance Institute
"Clemency"

Alfre Woodard stars as the warden of a maximum-security prison, who, after striking up a bond with an inmate, is confronted with the complex and often contradictory relationship between good intentions and unrequited desires.
Sundance Institute
"Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile"

Almost two years in the making, Joe Berlinger's take on the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy is finally hitting the big screen. Zac Efron stars as Bundy, and the film will be told from the perspective of Bundy’s longtime girlfriend, Elizabeth, who went years denying the accusations against him, but ultimately turned him into the police. Lily Collins plays Elizabeth. The film also stars Jim Parsons, Haley Joel Osment and Kaya Scodelario.
Sundance Institute
"Honey Boy"

Shia LaBeouf wrote the screenplay for this film, based on his childhood and his relationship with his father. Directed by Alma Har'el, "Honey Boy" also stars Lucas Hedges, FKA Twigs and Noah Jupe.
Sundance Institute
"Imaginary Order"

If you want to feel uncomfortable yet completely fascinated by a film, "Imaginary Order" is the one for you. It follows a suburban mom, played by Wendi McLendon-Covey, who makes mistake after mistake and her psyche crumbles in the aftermath.
Sundance Institute
"Knock Down the House"

Documentaries continue to be huge, and this one details the struggles and meteoric rise of young Puerto Rican bartender Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from the Bronx to toppling incumbents in an electric primary race for Congress.
Sundance Institute
"Leaving Neverland"

Described as gut-wrenching, this documentary uses interviews with the now-adult men and their families of those who have accused Michael Jackson of sexual abuse to craft a portrait of one of the world's most celebrated icons. HBO will release this doc in the spring.
Sundance Institute
"Native Son"

Renowned African-American history and culture visual artist Rashid Johnson and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks craft a contemporary reworking of Richard Wright’s 1940 novel, bringing its interrogation of fear, violence, race and circumstance into a critical modern context. A24 is the distributor.
Sundance Institute
"The Great Hack"

In 2018, Facebook came under fire many times for its use and misuse of users' personal data. That was never more apparent than the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data breach that this doc explores. Netflix will distribute this documentary.
Sundance Institute
"The Report"

Hot off his awards run for "BlacKkKlansman," Adam Driver is back in "The Report" alongside Jon Hamm, Jennifer Morrison and Maura Tierney. The film, directed by Scott Z. Burns, follows CIA agents and their interrogation tactics in the quest to find those behind the 9/11 attacks.
Sundance Institute
"Untouchable"

Harvey Weinstein, both in his rise and in his monstrous fall, changed Hollywood forever. "Untouchable" explores how he acquired and deployed his formidable power over the course of decades.
Sundance Institute
"Velvet Buzzsaw"

"Nightcrawler" director Dan Gilroy reunited with Jake Gyllenhaal for the high-art thriller "Velvet Buzzsaw," which also stars Rene Russo, Toni Collette and Natalia Dyer. Netflix will distribute this movie.
Netflix
"The Farewell"

Awkwafina, one of the breakout stars of 2018, stars in this film about a family that opts not to tell their beloved matriarch about her lung cancer diagnosis, instead scheduling an impromptu wedding-reunion back in China. The film is based on director Lulu Wang's true story she told on NPR's popular podcast, "This American Life."
Sundance Institute
"Luce"

This psychological drama stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Octavia Spencer and Naomi Watts. It follows a couple that is forced to reevaluate the image of their adopted son after his high school teacher finds something alarming in his locker.
Sundance Institute
"Brittany Runs a Marathon"

Jillian Bell leads the cast of this comedy that follows a young New Yorker who discovers she has elevated blood pressure and a high heart rate. Soon, she starts running, and increases her distance by a mile a day. Buyers have expressed interest in this inspirational yet entertaining tale.
Sundance Institute

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Sundance 2019: Film fanatics will brave the cold to see these hot films in Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah, is about to be flush with cash -- and we're not talking about buying apres ski gear. Here are the most buzzed-about titles of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. (Note: some already have distributors).

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15 Buzziest Sundance Movies: From Shia LaBeouf's 'Honey Boy' to 'Leaving Neverland' (Photos)

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