Tótem (2024): Cast & Ratings
Tótem is a 2024 drama directed by Lila Avilés, starring Naíma Sentíes as Sol, Teresa Sánchez and Montserrat Marañon. It runs 1 hour 35 minutes. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best International Film at the Spirit Awards 2024. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 35m (95 min)
- Director
- Lila Avilés
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
Spanish
- Studio
- Limerencia Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Tótem About?
The premise of Tótem without spoilers.
As a father’s birthday celebration draws near, a young girl named Sol finds herself at the center of a lively Mexican family gathering. The seemingly joyous occasion becomes a revealing experience as Sol confronts the unspoken traditions and hidden truths within her household, challenging her understanding of love, loyalty, and the importance of cultural heritage.
Tótem Themes & Keywords
· 4 tags- asylum seekers
- rotterdam
- porcupine
- afro dutch
Tótem Cast & Characters
Naíma Sentíes leads the cast as Sol, with Teresa Sánchez as Cruz and Montserrat Marañon as Nuria. Directed by Lila Avilés; 20 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Lila Avilés
- Naíma Sentíes as Sol
-
Teresa Sánchez as Cruz -
Montserrat Marañon as Nuria - José Manuel Poncelis as Tío Octavio
Also Starring in Tótem
· 16 more- Iazua Larios Lucia
- Pepe Aguilar Iván
- Marisol Gasé Alejandra
- Galia Mayer Isa
- Abel Sánchez Kayú
- Saori Gurza Ester
- Mateo Garcia Tonatiuh
- Alberto Amador Roberto
- Juan Francisco Maldonado Napo
- Marisela Villarruel Lúdica
- Lukas Urquijo Chavita
- Alioth Gutiérrez Tía Aurora
- Rodrigo Lamas Arielito
- Georgina Tábora Tía Claudia
- Zuadd Atala Ruth
- Michelle Menéndez Lulú
Tótem Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Tótem 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 91 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 90/100, strongest in character & emotion (95) and weakest in rewatch factor (85).
Tótem Echo Score Breakdown
The film achieves a harmonious synthesis of craft, emotion, narrative subtlety, and sensory immersion. Critics praise its organic direction and deliberate pacing, noting how narrative elisions enhance realism without sacrificing coherence. The lead performance and ensemble interactions convey grief and warmth with understated authenticity. Visually, the camera’s fluid movement and calibrated lighting reinforce the intimate tone. Collectively, these elements foster a compelling atmosphere that resonates beyond a single viewing, leaving a thoughtful, life-affirming impression.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
The film’s art and craft is marked by precise direction and evocative cinematography. Reviewers note the camera’s fluid movement through crowded spaces and an organic production design that balances intimacy and scope. The editing weaves moments of tension and release without feeling overwrought. Overall, the film’s visual construction feels both purposeful and artfully restrained.
- Character & Emotion 95
When it comes to character and emotion, performances resonate with authenticity and depth. Observers highlight the young protagonist’s sensitive portrayal and the ensemble’s natural interactions, conveying grief and hope without melodrama. The film’s chemistry emerges from understated moments and nuanced facial expressions rather than overt declarations. Overall, the emotional core remains compelling and intimately drawn.
- Story & Flow 90
In terms of story and flow, the film employs measured pacing and strategic narrative elisions. Critics appreciate the partial glimpses into family life that deepen realism and avoid overexplanation. While some sequences feel incidental, the overall coherence and subtle structure maintain engagement. Ultimately, the narrative feels both restrained and immersive, sustaining interest from opening to close.
- Sensory Experience 88
In terms of sensory experience, the film’s visual style and sound design work in harmony to evoke an intimate atmosphere. The subtle soundtrack underscores emotional beats without overpowering, and ambient sound anchors scenes in lived reality. Reviewers note the thoughtful use of light and shadow alongside minimal scoring. Together, these elements create an immersive sensory landscape.
- Rewatch Factor 85
Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s nuanced portrayal of family rituals and emotional undercurrents encourages renewed appreciation. Viewers express a desire to revisit subtle moments of interaction and discover new layers in the narrative ellipses. Although its quiet tone may not suit every viewer, the film’s lasting emotional resonance makes it rewarding on subsequent viewings.
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Rotten Tomatoes 97% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 75%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 91 Metascore
User score 7.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 68% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.9 /5
36383 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Tótem Awards & Nominations
Tótem earned 1 award nomination, including Best International Film at the Spirit Awards 2024.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Spirit Awards 2024 1 nomination- Nominated Best International Film – Lila Avilés
Tótem Trailers & Videos
5 videos: 2 trailers and 3 featurettes.
- Trailer Official US Trailer [Subtitled]
- Featurette Red Carpet Highlights | Berlinale 2023
- Featurette Lila Avilés on Tótem | ND/NF 2023
- Featurette Q&A with Lila Avilés
Tótem Also Known As
12 alternative titles, including “女孩的成長圖騰” and “夏の終わりに願うこと”.
- Also known as
-
- 女孩的成長圖騰
- 夏の終わりに願うこと
- 토템
- Тотем
- Totem
- טוטם
- 图腾
- Τοτέμ
- Totem - Il mio sole
- 最後一次的生日派對
- Totēms
- วันเกิดสุดท้ายของพ่อหนู
Seen Tótem?
Movies Like Tótem
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Unwanted, Solas and Tato.
Tótem FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, awards, post-credit scenes and language of Tótem, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Tótem?
Tótem runs 1 hour 35 minutes (95 minutes).
When was Tótem released?
Tótem was released on January 26, 2024.
Who directed Tótem?
Tótem was directed by Lila Avilés.
More films by Lila Avilés Who is in the cast of Tótem?
Tótem stars Naíma Sentíes as Sol, Teresa Sánchez as Cruz and Montserrat Marañon as Nuria, among 20 credited actors.
How is Tótem rated?
Tótem has 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 91 on Metacritic, 68% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.
Was Tótem nominated for any awards?
Tótem received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does Tótem have a post-credit scene?
No. Tótem has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Tótem in?
The original language of Tótem is Spanish.
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