Picks of the Week offers Women and Hollywood’s top recommendations — women-driven and women-made movies, series, VOD releases, and more — and tells you why they are worth your time and money.
Gentefied (Series) – Created by Linda Yvette Chávez and Marvin Lemus
A friendly piece of advice: don’t watch “Gentefied” on an empty stomach. Food features heavily in the new Netflix comedy and — between the way it’s lovingly filmed and discussed — has the power to render viewers completely ravenous. I speak from personal experience here.
From creators Linda Yvette Chávez and Marvin Lemus and executive producer America Ferrera, the show is based on the Macro web series “Gente-fied.” It’s the story of three Mexican-American cousins and their grandfather (series MVP Joaquín Cosio), and their fight to keep the family taco shop alive in their rapidly-gentrifying Los Angeles neighborhood, Boyle Heights. Meanwhile, each cousin is either struggling to figure out what exactly they want, or how to get it. They each have their own American Dream but are living in the real America — a place that is apathetic at best, hostile at worst, toward immigrants and people of color.
“Gentefied” especially succeeds at fleshing out specific family dynamics, particularly those between cousins, and exploring how culture, race, and tradition uniquely inform each character. While up-and-coming chef Chris (Carlos Santos) is the golden child — i.e. the one who has his shit together — he’s teased for being spoiled and acting white by his co-workers and cousins. Meanwhile, Erik (J.J. Soria) is a bit of a fuck-up but is respected around the neighborhood for proudly embracing his ethnicity. Plus, he scores extra points for his fierce loyalty to his family and their business. Then there’s Ana (Karrie Martin), whose family is fine with her queerness but is less onboard for her artistic aspirations, and doubts her ability to earn a living.
There’s a lot of warmth and affection — and so much delicious-looking food — in “Gentefied.” There’s also much anger and frustration about the plight of first-, second-, and third-generation immigrants, whether it comes to socioeconomics, opportunity, or prejudice. The series is politically conscious without being dour, funny without being cavalier. Just make sure you stock up on the snacks before you settle in to watch. (Rachel Montpelier)
“Gentefied” hits Netflix February 21.
Ride Your Wave – Written by Reiko Yoshida
“Ride Your Wave”: GKIDS
An ill-fated romance encourages a young woman to learn to love herself in “Ride Your Wave.” Minato (Ryota Katayose), a firefighter trainee, falls for Hinako (Rina Kawaei) after seeing her mastery over the waves — she’s a gifted surfer. Minato repeatedly refers to his crush as his “hero,” and when they start hanging out it’s she who shares her expertise with him. In a refreshing change of pace from typical love stories, the dude isn’t teaching the girl how to do something. We aren’t exposed to yet another montage of a guy showing a girl how to use a pool cue. (Minato does save Hinako’s life when her apartment is on fire, yet as the film reveals later on, he’s only returning the favor — many years ago, she saved his life.)
The pair become inseparable, but it’s not long before a tragic accident leaves Hinako mourning the man who promised never to leave her side. Convinced that she’s unable to survive without him, Hinako struggles to move on, and begins to feel as though she can’t do anything right.
In the depths of her despair, Hinako discovers that if she sings her and Minato’s favorite song, she can beckon Minato from beyond the grave. His spirit manifests in water, and only water, so she needs a drinking glass or a bathtub nearby — until she begins bringing a huge porpoise-shaped balloon filled with water everywhere she goes, causing alarm among her loved ones.
“Ride Your Wave” suggests that Minato won’t be able to rest peacefully until Hinako stops calling his spirit. She needs to learn how to be independent, and to take control over her life. Inspired by Minato’s hardworking and selfless nature, she decides to channel her energy into a pursuit that will give purpose to her life and help others. The anime story goes to some dark places, and in doing so transforms its sugar-sweet romance into an exploration of grief and the fact that our loved ones never truly leave us — even after Hinako releases Minato’s spirit, he continues to make a mark on her life and others. (Laura Berger)
“Ride Your Wave” will play in select theaters tonight, February 19, only. Find screening info here.
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