In the sensitively observed drama “I’m No Longer Here,” the mellow rhythm of cumbia music is the soundtrack to the life of Ulises (Juan Daniel García), a laconic 17-year-old in Monterrey, Mexico. He belongs to Los Terkos, a youth dance crew in the area, and his style and grade-A dance moves make him a leader among the group. But when a misunderstanding with a local cartel puts Ulises in their cross hairs, he is forced to leave Mexico or risk being killed.
Now streaming on Netflix, the film opens on its lead character saying goodbye to his homeland. The story then intercuts between his lively days in Monterrey and his struggle to survive as an immigrant in the New York City neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens. There, Ulises is treated as either an unwelcome outsider or an object of cultural fascination. He finds an eager friend in the 16-year-old Lin (Angelina Chen), who becomes entranced by Ulises after she finds him sheltering on the roof of her grandfather’s bodega.
The writer-director Fernando Frías de la Parra, whose directing credits include the first season of the HBO series “Los Espookys,” renders Ulises’ difficulties with an admirable light touch. Through wide shots and long pans, the film surveys the character’s distinct environments, highlighting the gap between his community in Monterrey and his alienation in Queens. Music also serves as a symbol of the culture Ulises left behind; on multiple occasions, he tries to share cumbia with American acquaintances who can’t quite engage in its joy.
At points, the story drags. But “I’m No Longer Here” offers an authentic portrait of a boy adrift from home. The film is most alive while plumbing teen counterculture in Monterrey, where Los Terkos — played by nonprofessional actors — are as natural haggling with a local shopkeeper as they are dancing to their favorite tunes. Frías de la Parra is thoughtful and precise in conveying the cultural identity of these young people, and their spirit pulses through the story.
I’m No Longer Here
Not rated. In Spanish, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
Source: Movies - nytimes.com
