Impossible Things

"Impossible Things" (Cosas imposibles) tells the story of Matilde (Nora Velázquez), a woman in her late 60s living a solitary life in a vast Mexico City housing complex. Following the recent death of her husband, Porfirio, she finds herself haunted by his abusive memory, which manifests as persistent, tormenting apparitions. Her world, confined to the four walls of her apartment, is one of fear and suffocating routine.

This fragile existence is interrupted by the arrival of Miguel (Benny Emmanuel), a troubled 19-year-old neighbor who makes a living through small-time illicit dealings. Despite their vast age difference and seemingly opposite worlds, a tentative connection forms between them, born out of mutual loneliness and a shared sense of being trapped. Their burgeoning friendship becomes a lifeline, slowly pulling Matilde out of her isolation and empowering her to confront the ghosts of her past and imagine a future she never thought possible.

The core meaning of "Impossible Things" is a profound exploration of liberation and the healing power of human connection. Director Ernesto Contreras conveys that it is never too late to reclaim one's life from the grip of past trauma. The film posits that friendship can be found in the most unexpected places and that these relationships, free from societal judgment, can provide the strength needed to face deep-seated fears. It is a hopeful message that even after a lifetime of abuse and isolation, a person can find the courage to experience joy, independence, and self-worth—achieving things that once seemed impossible.

While the dominant interpretation of the film is psychological, viewers could propose alternative readings of its central elements. One could interpret the presence of Matilde's deceased husband, Porfirio, through a supernatural lens, viewing him as a literal, tormented spirit bound to the apartment and his victim. This reading would frame the film as a ghost story where the haunting is real, and Matilde's friendship with Miguel gives her the spiritual strength to perform a kind of emotional exorcism.

However, the critical consensus and the film's grounded, realistic tone strongly support the interpretation of Porfirio as a psychological manifestation. He is a vivid embodiment of Matilde's PTSD. His appearances and dialogue are products of her traumatized mind, replaying decades of abuse. In this view, the film is not about the supernatural, but about the very real and haunting power of memory and the immense internal struggle required to overcome it. The 'impossibility' is not fighting a ghost, but breaking a psychological cycle that has defined a lifetime.

"Impossible Things" was received by critics as a sensitive and well-crafted piece of contemporary Mexican cinema that prioritizes character-driven storytelling over spectacle. It stands as a significant work that tackles difficult social issues—domestic violence, trauma in old age, and urban loneliness—with honesty and hope, avoiding sensationalism. The film provided a dramatic leading role for Nora Velázquez, an actress primarily known for her comedic character "Chabelita," allowing her to showcase her significant dramatic range and earning her critical acclaim. By focusing on an intergenerational friendship, the film challenges cinematic conventions and offers a poignant commentary on the possibility of connection in an increasingly fragmented society. Its success at the Ariel Awards, with ten nominations, cemented its status as one of the most important Mexican films of its year.

Audiences have generally responded very positively to "Impossible Things," praising it as a moving, heartfelt, and hopeful film. Viewers frequently highlight the powerful and touching performances of Nora Velázquez and Benny Emmanuel, noting their incredible on-screen chemistry as the heart of the movie. Many reviews from audience members express admiration for the film's sensitive and realistic handling of difficult subjects like domestic abuse and loneliness, appreciating that it does so without becoming overly bleak or depressing. The main points of praise are the emotional depth, the quality of the acting, and the optimistic message. Criticism is minimal, but some viewers have noted the pacing as slow, though many others argue this deliberate pace is necessary to fully develop the characters' relationship and internal struggles.