Director Juan Pablo González drives through a remote area of rural Mexican countryside, stopping to see the land where his father used to harvest agave and to visit the small ranches abutting the former farm. González listens attentively as his guide points out notable landmarks along the way. Soon the conversation takes a more intimate turn: González asks his companion when he sent his daughter away, and so begins a harrowing account of loss of family, loss of business, years of daily harassment, and extortion at the hands of the local cartel. González’s deft approach heightens the experience of this undeniably compelling narrative; a seemingly single 20-minute take is thoughtfully and tightly focused on his subject’s eyes, with only a glimpse of the passing countryside and a slice of clouds above serving as background. Intermittent flashes of anger, wistfulness, and regret effectively punctuate this raw story, leading us to wonder how far we might go to protect our own.  WFM