Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Fireflies is a drama about a gay Iranian refugee living in Veracruz, Mexico.
After fleeing from persecution in his native country, leaving his lover and family behind, Ramín (Arash Marandi) finds that he’s still not happy with his life. He lives in a low-end hotel that charges by the day and works manual labor jobs to make ends meet. While at work, he befriends Guillermo (Luis Alberti), a tough and somewhat flirtatious Salvadoran refugee. Despite being attracted to him, Ramín keeps his distance because he’s unsure of Guillermo’s intentions.
Ramín also makes friends with the owner of the hotel where he’s staying, Leti (Edwarda Gurrola), who helps him better his Spanish language skills. As they interreact, they become friends, and Leti keeps an eye on him.
With several options open, and the possibilities of a new relationship with Guillermo, Ramín must navigate his current surroundings and build a life that will make him happy.
Some Thoughts:
Fireflies is an interesting film about acceptance and happiness. Instead of being heavy handed and taking sides, it trusts that the audience will follow along and come to their own conclusions. The setting is realistic, which works well with the overall tone, and the acting is decent.
Ramín is a difficult character to stand behind, especially since it’s unclear if he can be happy anywhere. He comes across as lost and unable to decide where he wants to settle, especially when paired with Guillermo, who has a definite plan. To counter Guillermo is Ramín’s landlady, Leti, who is at home in her native country. Also, her story is the opposite of Ramín’s in that her ex-boyfriend left her to move to America.
Guillermo, Leti, and Ramín are three very different people, but it’s easy to see how they would be drawn to each other. It’s not always clear what Leti and Guillermo want from Ramín, which brings tension from the unknown to the film. It also gives the story a sense of impending danger.
The Final Verdict:
Fireflies is a beautiful, honest, and thoughtful film. The story is original, and the acting pulls it together nicely.