Ruben (Ernesto Reyes) is a new inmate at a minimum-security prison. He is placed in a small cell (with a locked door rather than bars) with Carlos (Jesse Tayeh), who makes some scary faces and tests Ruben’s resolve to fight for his survival. Impressed, Carlos takes Ruben under his wing and teaches him to make some kind of illicit prison hooch they can sell to other inmates.
In time, the men become close and then closer, falling in love. Eventually, each is released from prison, though on different schedules. Their relationship survives the separation and then grows as their lives become increasingly intertwined.
Not much else happens in Luz. We know there’s a crime boss out there waiting to reckon with Ruben over the accidental death of a prostitute, and Ruben has a deaf daughter he wants to join. But even with all the longing between Ruben and Carlos, and outstanding performances from the two leads, there isn’t enough here to call a substantial story.
Writer-director Jon Garcia strikes an understandable tone of seriousness in the film’s first half-hour, set in the prison, but he never lets up on it long after his principals have found reason for happiness in the big, post-prison world of possibilities. Still, Luz is a sleek and visually compelling drama, well-directed by Garcia. Lightly recommended.