The Amazing Catfish

An interesting drama from Mexico that redefines the notion of family, The Amazing Catfish tells the story of a chance meeting between strangers that evolves into much more. Claudia (Ximena Ayala) is an isolated young woman living in a remote, unsafe neighborhood who works a marginal job in a department store. Forced to stay in a hospital for several days following a bout with appendicitis, Claudia befriends the older Martha (Lisa Owen), a terminally-ill single mother. Without needing to share much, the two easily bond and soon Claudia is taken into Martha's home as a special guest. While Martha's kids don't seem particularly surprised at such largesse, they regard Claudia with mixed feelings, as a kind of instant sister who is also a stranger. In writer-director Claudia Sainte-Luce's unforced narrative, relationships evolve and deepen without any self-conscious conversations, and Claudia becomes an important confidante to Martha while also basking in a newfound sense of belonging with others. Of course, with this opening of hearts and lives, there will be a price to pay in terms of change and loss. Sainte-Luce maintains a gritty, unvarnished view of these troubled characters while still underscoring small grace notes of trust and bonding, aided by a fine cast that deftly captures the daily ups and downs of Martha's slow fade. Recommended. (T. Keogh)