La Civil

In northern Mexico, a mother's life is shattered when her teenage daughter is kidnapped by a drug cartel. Determined to find her, she embarks on a dangerous and relentless quest, navigating the brutal realities of cartel power and corruption. As she gets closer to uncovering the truth, she finds herself increasingly drawn into the dangerous underworld, forcing her to make impossible choices.

La Civil received critical acclaim for its raw, unflinching portrayal of a mother's desperate search and the pervasive violence in Mexico. Arcelia Ramírez's performance was widely praised, and the film was noted for its tense atmosphere and harrowing depiction of systemic corruption.

• A powerful and disturbing drama that sheds light on the harsh realities of cartel violence.
• Arcelia Ramírez delivers a tour-de-force performance as a mother driven to extreme measures.
• The film masterfully balances suspense with a poignant exploration of maternal love and resilience.

Google audience: Google users lauded the film for its gripping story, powerful acting, and realistic depiction of a difficult subject. Many praised its ability to evoke strong emotions and its important social commentary, though some found the subject matter intensely challenging.

Screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize. Also nominated for several Ariel Awards in Mexico, including Best Actress for Arcelia Ramírez.

Director Teodora Ana Mihai was inspired to make the film after reading a newspaper article about a mother's search for her kidnapped daughter in Mexico, a story that deeply affected her and prompted her to explore the issue further.