Voiced by Alvaro Guevara, Tacho Gonzalez
Directed by Ignacio Ferreras
Whereas many animators employ their chosen medium to present worlds of endless possibility, director Ignacio Ferreras instead utilizes it to depict the inescapable reality of aging. Granted, there are fantasies to be found in Wrinkles. However, they all have a tragic air, as they only arise due to Alzheimers or other dementias.
Its because of his inability to differentiate delusion from reality that Emilio (Alvaro Guevara) finds himself committed to a care facility by his frustrated family. As hes shown the ropes by his glad-handing roommate Miguel (Tacho Gonzalez), he notices his new friend pilfering cash from more incapacitated residents. It seems that its not necessarily a guardian angel whos taken him under his wing.
Miguel serves to illustrate how when confronted with sterile, uniform hallways and mind-numbing routines it becomes essential to establish your own sense of purpose. You come to appreciate his defiance all the more when you realize that he and Emilio spend every meal staring down their immediate future in the form of residents with more advanced afflictions. Ultimately, its the moments which subtly acknowledge such inevitabilities (rather than gracelessly articulating them) that are Wrinkles most powerful.
Theyre certainly more effective than some low-brow comic interludes in which octogenarians ogle an aerobics instructor or embark on an ill-fated joyride.
Fortunately, such missteps are few, with the majority of Ferreras film proving to be steeped in sincerity and dignity.
Ultimately, its a staunch rebuke to the cynical notion that we all die alone, celebrating instead our ability to forge meaningful relationships right through our dying days.
