For a film about death, Lila Avilés’ “Tótem” is extraordinarily lived in.
Avilés’ camera roams through the festive, cluttered gathering of an extended family as they prepare for a birthday celebratio.
The specter of death looms over a birthday party in this remarkably intimate second feature from the Mexican writer-director Lila Avilés ("The Chambermaid").
With famous fans in Mexico's "Three Amigos" and enviable critical raves, the two-time feature maker is on the cusp of becoming a major new voice in world cinema.