Gloria finds a power she never knew she had when she is drawn into a dangerous world of cross-border crime. Surviving will require all of her cunning, inventiveness, and strength. Based on the Spanish-language film.
“Miss Bala” constitutes a bit of a different take on drug and human trafficking, within the context of a predictably violence-laden setting, as a young woman gets caught up in events beyond her control. Gina Rodriguez as Gloria in the title role exudes the full range of emotion necessary to make such a storyline credible.
Director Catherine Hardwicke has apparently wandered the wasteland after the surprise success of “Twilight” in 2008 and the subsequent “Red Riding Hood” in 2011. Most of her work since then consists of television episodes and short films. Perhaps “Miss Bala” will constitute something of a comeback for her.
Screenwriter Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer debuts his first feature-length screenplay after writing-directing several short films. Given the production’s early February release date and limited budget of $15 million, “Miss Bala” appears to enter the doldrums of the movie business with modest expectations.
The film opens with Gloria working a fashion show as a makeup artist in Los Angeles. Afterward, she drives down to Tijuana, where she visits her friend Suzu, played by Cristina Rodlo. Suzu plans to enter the Miss Baja beauty contest, and Gloria enthusiastically offers her expert makeup assistance. After registering for the event, the two young women check out a local nightclub where gun violence suddenly erupts. Gloria barely escapes alive, while Suzu disappears altogether. As the narrative progresses, centered on her search for Suzu, Gloria must make a series of decisions whose outcome always remains uncertain.
Ismael Cruz Cordova as Lino, the secondary lead in this story, heads a gang smuggling operation based in Tijuana. Lino is half American, half Mexican – a foot in both worlds yet belonging to neither – he later reveals. Hardly sympathetic, he nonetheless does seem willing to help Gloria find and rescue Suzu, but invariably with the expectation of an illegal favor in return – and in advance. Along the way, Gloria must maneuver through myriad obstacles that continually pop up from many different directions.
Aislinn Derbez makes a compelling, albeit brief appearance as Isabel, another young woman swept up in the criminal activities that Gloria attempts to navigate. Anthony Mackie, who figures somewhat prominently in the promotional material, surprisingly sees limited screen time in a mysterious role barely more than a cameo. Evens so, his presence hints at more to come down the line. Perhaps a sequel to “Miss Bala” is in the offing if things go well with this initial release.
In many ways, a decidedly straightforward, yet not altogether predictable plot makes the journey worth the time. “Miss Bala” provides an interesting take on drug war politics that comes together with some likable characters and a satisfying denouement.
In theaters Friday, February 1st
