‘Glorious rare find’ on Netflix is ideal for Devil Wears Prada fans | Films | Entertainment
‘Glorious rare find’ on Netflix is a must-watch for Devil Wears Prada fans (Image: 20TH CENTURY FOX)
Netflix has recently added a peculiar comedy film that has already garnered an enormous cult following.
Characterised as an “absurdist” take on The Devil Wears Prada, the picture was released in 2023 and has emerged as one of the most iconic indie films of the decade.
Saturday Night Live writer and comedian Julio Torres penned, starred in and made his directorial debut with Problemista, which also features Tilda Swinton in a captivating performance as unconventional art critic Elizabeth.
Torres portrays El Salvador immigrant and aspiring toymaker Alejandro who, following dismissal from his position at a cryogenics laboratory, becomes Elizabeth’s assistant.
She pledges to sponsor Alejandro’s work visa once they have arranged an exhibition of her cryogenically frozen husband’s art, but he quickly uncovers Elizabeth’s talent for volatile outbursts and capricious conduct, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/film/devil-wears-prada-netflix-problemista-36954151″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.
Problemista was written and directed by first-time filmmaker Julio Torres (Image: A24)
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Examining themes of immigration, class, capitalism and contemporary American life through a surrealist perspective with abundant heart and humour, Problemista has become a darling of cinema enthusiasts and is thoroughly worth viewing now it’s been added to Netflix UK’s extensive streaming catalogue this week.
One five-star Letterboxd review dubbed it “The Devil Wears Prada for people with a creative spirit, an anxiety disorder, and a dream.”
Someone else enthused: “So very good. The kind of film that reaffirms imagination is still alive and well in the industry. Playful and confident in itself, with so many honest things to say about the human experience.
“My favorite part had to be Tilda though. She is absolutely balls to the wall manic here, and I was eating it up with a knife and fork. One of my favorite performances from her due to the raw energy she brought to every scene.”
An El Salvador immigrant is hired as an assistant to an eccentric art critic (Image: A24)
And another admirer made the audacious assertion that first-time director Torres could be “the greatest mind of the 21st century”.
Glowing reviews persisted on IMDb, where one enthusiast declared: “One of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time and an all time favorite Tilda performance!
“I came in expecting a fun, wild, and interesting experience and this movie delivered tenfold. It was one of the best movies that I have seen in theaters in a long time and has one of my all time favorite performances by the ice queen herself, Tilda Swinton.
“My date and I laughed, we cringed, we were captivated, and at the end we were both crying tears of joy. It was heartfelt, surreal and a rare pleasure for us both.”
And a final viewer characterised Problemista as “glorious”, noting: “I’m sure I’ll add to this review at some point when I’ve digested the film but for now I’ll just keep it simple and say that this is the best film I’ve seen in years.
“Julio Torres’ script, direction and performance are clever, affecting, funny, vibrant, fresh and gorgeous. Tilda Swinton gives her very best here, serving the script with amazing finesse.
“It’s so rare to find a new film that feels this vital and fully-formed. If it sounds like I’m gushing then that’ll be because I am – this film deserves it because it never puts a foot wrong. I really hope to see more work from Torres in the future.”
Problemista is available to stream on Netflix.
