Bionico’s Bachata is a vibrant mockumentary that impressively hops between wild humour, visual surrealism, and the destructive nature of drug addiction.
Director: Yoel Morales
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Run Time: 80′
BFI London Film Festival Screening: October 12-13, 2024
U.S. Release Date: TBA
U.K. Release Date: TBA
In Bionico’s Bachata (La Bachata de Bionico), the titular character’s quest proves as difficult as it seems on paper: first, get clean, and second, save enough money to buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend, La Flaca (Ana Minier), whose release from rehab is imminent. Aside from Bionico’s (Manuel Raposo, Rafaela) addiction to crack, his motley group of friends continually lead him astray, despite his best efforts to stay on the straight and narrow.
But with the help of best mate Calvita (El Napo), there is some light at the end of the tunnel, and if Bionico can get clean, a bright future of marriage and children with La Flaca won’t just be an unattainable fantasy.
As the premise suggests, Bionico’s Bachata is a wild ride. Along with his co-writer Cristian Mojica (Rafaela), director Yoel Morales (Azul Magia) gives us a flurry of random events and odd characters that compleiment the central plot. There is a running gag involving La Flaca’s ex, for example, whereby he pops up at random moments and duly assaults Bionico in the street. The ensuing fights verge on slapstick. Calvita is also a comedic highlight, with El Napo perfectly delivering Morales and Mojica’s witty and energetic script. But despite the comedy, there are still plenty of moments in Bionico’s Bachata that take a breath, step back, and reflect on the dangers of drug abuse and the imprisoning vice of addiction.
It’s an impressive blend of styles and tones, and whilst sometimes Bionico’s Bachata infantilises drug use and opts for comedy too often, it is ultimately a very poignant and emotionally gruelling snapshot of human beings struggling to break free from addiction. Raposo is excellent as the titular character, showcasing Bionico’s swagger, endearing nature, and frustration with his inability to kick his habit. Bionico is far from perfect, but you’re always rooting for him to come good. Minier, whose scenes mainly come later in the film, also leaves a big impression, underlining the more serious elements of Bionico’s Bachata’s plot.
Shot in mockumentary format with a great amount of freedom of expression, this mad film is visually and stylistically fascinating. Alexander Viola’s exquisite cinematography and Morales’ inventive editing give the often-used mockumentary form a fresh edge and a colourful slant that makes Bionico’s Bachata stand out from the crowded genre. Trippy moments, such as when Bionico and Calvita drink hallucinogenic tea, again showcase both the film’s unstoppable dynamism and its impressive handling of more serious, damaging themes.
Bionico’s Bachata is a swift film at 80 minutes, but even with this short runtime, it can become tiring. As compelling as the plot is, it isn’t quite dense enough to propel certain parts of the film forward. But the vision that Morales gives us on screen is a fantastic, unforgettable one, and as Bionico’s Bachata and its characters hurtle through an increasingly insane world towards uncertain destinations, you begin to realise how much you care for these damaged people. Ultimately, this is a deeply endearing and human reflection on drug abuse, and a sweet love story that sees the enemy of addiction continuously stand in the way of happiness.
Bionico’s Bachata will be screened at the BFI London Film Festival on October 12-13, 2024. Read our list of 30 movies to watch at the 2024 BFI London Film Festival!
