Problemista

In the opening scenes set in El Salvador, we meet young Alejandro Martinez, a gifted artist nurtured by his mother, Dolores. Dolores encourages Alejandro's creativity while grappling with her worries about his future, establishing a blend of love and apprehension in their relationship.

A defining moment occurs when young Alejandro, dressed in blue, confronts a terrifying creature with glowing red eyes in a cave. This metaphorical battle signifies his courage and artistic spirit as a child.

Fast forward to present-day Bushwick, where Alejandro has relocated to pursue his dream of becoming a toy designer. Despite living with friends and the distractions of city life, he remains focused on his aspirations in the toy industry.

Alejandro's ambitious designs, including innovative concepts for toys, are met with disappointment as his application to Hasbro is rejected. This setback forces him to reassess his goals and navigate the complexities of adult life.

After the blow from Hasbro, Alejandro secures a position as an archivist at FreezeCorp, where he is entrusted with the cryogenically preserved artist Bobby Asencio. This job intertwines his fate with Bobby's and sets the stage for future challenges.

On his first day at FreezeCorp, Alejandro accidentally disconnects a crucial cable from Bobby's chamber, leading to a hasty dismissal from his supervisor. This incident underscores the precariousness of his situation and the pressure he faces.

A chance meeting with Bobby's wife, Elizabeth, leads Alejandro to assist in organizing Bobby's egg-themed artworks for an exhibition. This new role not only provides him with a chance to engage with art but also comes with strings attached regarding his visa status.

Alejandro's desperation grows when he learns he cannot receive any pay until Elizabeth's sponsorship formalizes. His immigration advisor, Khalil, introduces him to a potential paralegal position, providing a glimmer of hope amidst his turmoil.

Tensions escalate when Elizabeth discovers that a key painting, 'Blue Egg on Yellow Satin', is missing. Alejandro's negotiation skills are put to the test as he crafts an apology letter to its current holder to retrieve the artwork, revealing the intricate ties of their personal histories.

Alejandro eventually takes a peculiar job cleaning in the nude, navigating his desperation with humor. This bizarre experience underscores the lengths he must go to secure financial stability while pursuing his dreams.

Just as Alejandro faces further setbacks with Elizabeth's frustrations, he receives an unexpected call inviting him to hold a solo exhibition of Bobby's work. This opportunity reignites hope and challenges him to negotiate the exhibition's details.

Chaos ensues on the day of transport when the key painting is left behind, prompting a frantic return to retrieve it. Alejandro’s quick thinking allows him to salvage the situation, demonstrating his commitment to Bobby's legacy.

Following the exhibition's success, Elizabeth shares her fears about her relationship with Bobby after his revival. This personal exchange between Alejandro and Elizabeth deepens their bond amidst the chaos of their professional lives.

Alejandro boldly confronts Brian Kissane at Hasbro about his stolen toy ideas, threatening to expose the truth unless he receives a job and sponsorship. His courage leads to a pivotal moment that could change his fate.

In a surprising turn, years later, an aged Alejandro reunites with Elizabeth at a revival ceremony for those previously cryogenically preserved. Their past intertwines as he confidently showcases his achievements while she grapples with their shared history.