Son of Monarchs

A biologist of Zapotec origin returns to his hometown in Oaxaca, Mexico, after spending years in New York studying the life cycle of monarch butterflies. His return unearths long-buried traumas and forces him to confront his identity and his connection to his ancestral homeland. The film explores themes of displacement, cultural heritage, and the intersection of science and spirituality.

Son of Monarchs received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual artistry, poignant exploration of identity, and unique blend of science and indigenous culture. The film was particularly lauded for its sensitive portrayal of the protagonist's internal struggles and its connection to the natural world.

• Visually stunning with a deeply personal and resonant story.
• An evocative exploration of heritage, science, and belonging.
• Thought-provoking and beautifully crafted, albeit with a slow pace at times.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's artistic vision and its unique thematic elements, particularly the connection between the monarch butterfly's life cycle and the protagonist's personal journey. Some viewers found the narrative to be contemplative and introspective, resonating with its exploration of cultural identity and homecoming.

Winner of the Audience Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival (U.S. Dramatic Competition).

Director Alexis Gambis, a biologist himself, used the monarch butterfly's migration as a central metaphor for the protagonist's journey, drawing parallels between the butterfly's cyclical life and the human experience of returning to one's roots.