Radical

This based-on-a-true-story Mexican drama, about an unorthodox teacher who joins a school in a dangerous, impoverished town and refuses to accept that its kids have no futures, hits all the familiar notes of the genre — and is no less powerful for doing so. The compelling lead performance from Eugenio Derbez (Coda) is matched by that of the child actors in a film that builds to an emotional climax.

Directed by Christopher Zalla. Stars Eugenio Derbez.

Mexico. In Spanish.

Rated M.

Released 2023.

Runtime 125 minutes.

Sundance Film Festival, winner Festival Favorite Award. Astra Film Awards, nominated for Best International Feature, Best International Actor (Derbez).