If you passed over Cassandro while looking for a heartfelt true story-inspired drama, it is never too late to check it out now. Even if you do not know the history behind Saúl Armendáriz and his rise in the wrestling world, this Prime Video exclusive hits all the right buttons with seasoned yet fresh direction and an award-deserving central performance.
Cassandro Synopsis
Prolific actor Gael García Bernal plays the main character Saúl, who spends his evenings working as a luchador; despite his drive to win and be on stage, the promoters continually pit him against heavy fighters who dominate him. After training in his spare time and working on a new persona as an exótico, a role which traditionally performs in drag and receives boos from the average crowd, Saúl begins to win over the affections of larger audiences while improving his fighting and showmanship skills, shaking the foundation of the deeply rooted traditions of lucha libre. His increasing comfort performing as Cassandro plays a dual role in Saúl’s life as he deals with the complications of living as a gay man in his community.
A Moving Encapsulation of Cassandro Through Acting Dedication
Cassandro is one of the many biopic dramas that pop up endlessly on streaming services thanks to their easy draw as either comforting success stories of the American Dream or coasting on the backs of famous names. Thanks to its earnest filmmakers, no one should dismiss Cassandro so simply, with its heart wrapped in the impressive work of Bernal. His performance here is one of successful research, investment, and appreciation, shown through Bernal’s complete dive into the subtle and over-the-top facets of becoming Armendáriz.
When not in the ring, Bernal is content with giving his all in the seemingly menial aspects of Saúl’s initially average days; Bernal’s acting shines through his facial expressions, showing deep thought into the nuance of revealing Saúl’s inner yearnings. Performing as Cassandro, this could not be more the opposite, as Bernal’s confident movements and choreography are as fluid as Armendáriz himself. His on-stage transformation is a glorious sight to behold, and while not the only times we see Bernal do some of his all-time best lead acting, these are easily the most fun scenes.
Gael García Bernal in ‘Cassandro’
Debut Narrative Directing Sentiments Keep Cassandro Palatable For All
Other than Bernal’s world-class performance as Saúl, not much about the film itself is not quite as dynamite. The screenplay boils down the story to a simple, entertaining pathway that understandably does a minor disservice to the complexities of real life. Director/co-screenwriter Roger Ross Williams comes from the documentary film world, debuting as a narrative director with Cassandro, but no one could mistake this film for a historical document. In script and style, this is typical biopic material through and through, but Cassandro will still go down as a good one for the masses in 2023 that doubles as a favorite for those who seek its niche appeal.
Cassandro is streaming now on Prime Video alongside their slate of exclusive biopics, including A Million Miles Away, Air, and On a Wing and a Prayer.
