El mesero
A lighthearted comedy of ambition where a waiter's dreams of luxury are served with a side of romantic-driven deception, garnished with the vibrant visuals of Mexico City's elite.
El mesero
El mesero
15 July 2021 Mexico 86 min ⭐ 8.0 (355)
Director: Raúl Martínez
Cast: Vadhir Derbez, Bárbara López, Arturo Barba, Emiliano Zurita, Ignacia Allamand
Comedy
Social Climbing and Ambition Deception vs. Authenticity The Nature of Love and Value

El mesero - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Rodrigo Sada

Vadhir Derbez

Archetype: The Aspirant / The Impostor
Key Trait: Ambitious

Motivation

To escape his current socioeconomic reality and become a millionaire, believing this will bring him respect, happiness, and the lifestyle he observes in the wealthy clients he serves.

Character Arc

Rodrigo begins as a charming but deeply insecure waiter who believes wealth is the ultimate measure of a man. He adopts a false persona to chase this dream, leading him into a world of luxury but also constant anxiety. Through his experiences, particularly his relationship with Mariana and the eventual exposure of his lies, he learns that his inherent qualities—his cleverness, kindness, and genuine business acumen—are his real assets. He ends the film having shed his superficial ambitions, embracing his authentic self and finding a path to success on his own terms.

Mariana

Bárbara López

Archetype: The Love Interest / The Catalyst
Key Trait: Genuine

Motivation

To find a genuine connection with someone who values her for who she is, beyond her family's wealth and status. She is drawn to Rodrigo's passion and drive, unaware at first that it's partially built on a lie.

Character Arc

Mariana is introduced as the daughter of a wealthy businessman, seemingly part of the world Rodrigo wants to conquer. However, she proves to be down-to-earth and is attracted to Rodrigo's personality, passion, and ideas, not his feigned status. She serves as a moral compass and a catalyst for Rodrigo's change, helping him see that he doesn't need to pretend to be someone else to be worthy of love and respect.

Luis

Guillermo 'Memo' Villegas

Archetype: The Mentor / The Voice of Reason
Key Trait: Loyal

Motivation

To support his friend while also trying to protect him from the inevitable fallout of his ambitious and deceptive schemes. He values honesty and friendship above all else.

Character Arc

Luis is Rodrigo's best friend and coworker, who remains grounded in reality throughout the film. He constantly advises Rodrigo to be happy with his life and to stop chasing an unattainable fantasy. While Rodrigo initially ignores him, Luis represents the wisdom of authenticity and friendship. He remains a loyal friend even after Rodrigo's deceit is revealed, embodying the film's theme of genuine connection over superficial status.

Cast

Vadhir Derbez as Rodrigo Sada
Bárbara López as Mariana
Arturo Barba as Rogelio Saviñón
Emiliano Zurita as Pedro
Ignacia Allamand
Gustavo Sánchez Parra as Pasilla
Memo Villegas as Luis
Sabine Moussier as Estela
Rodrigo Bello as Asistente Savinon
Alberto Cervantes as Chofer Uber
Maria De Anda as Marta
Ana Gonzalez Bello as Hostess
Ulises Hadjis as Vocalista boda
Franco Escamilla as Taquero