I Love My Mother (2022)

The story starts with Santiago at the east river, we hear his voice foreshadowing what's about to happen. There's quick shots of his house, he walks to a church near his Queens apt. In front of the church, he delivers a monologue saying goodbye and fuck you to god: " to me you don't exist, like every other father in my life, you're useless". Santiago feels abandoned by God, the "father". He is a son to no one, he has never met his real father and no one has helped while he's watched his mother battle cancer. This is why he brought his mother to the States in hopes to help her. Living in the states illegally, his only means of making money is online sex-work, jerking off on camera in sites like OnlyFans and keeping a client who enjoys re-enacting 3 scenes from Christ's life through BDSM: The washing of the feet, The Betrayal of Judas and The crucifixion of Christ. This is facilitated by the seductive and devilish character of Boss. He wants Santiago to join his drug operation in exchange for comfort and the money to treat his mother's cancer. Meanwhile, Boss gives him some cash and pills to ease her pain. Before Santiago leaves he reminds him that Client wants to see him again to perform "The Betrayal of Judas' '. As Santiago's life reaches its climax, the religious metaphor does too, with Santiago performing "The crucifixion" right after seeing his mother for the last time. When they say goodbye to each other, it is the only time we see his mother in the film. His mother tells Santiago her last wish is for him to be happy and make sure his heart isn't harden by the hardships he's faced. In denial, Santiago runs to Boss's office to try to steal some cash and pills. Boss finds him roaming through his stuff like a little spy, realizing Santiago's vulnerability, Boss delivers a monologue of promises and seduction. Santiago, then has a decision to make. He chooses to taser him unconscious and run away from the office. Finally, we see Santiago by the east river again. He takes his family's cross necklace off from his neck and leaves it by the river. In voice over he leaves us with a sense of relief yet uncertain, His life will start now. We wonder what's ahead for him. He smiles a little and walks off. He walks away with a sense of liberation, he has closed a big chapter in his life, The End.