Third World focuses on three sets of characters whose stories unfold in parallel in Costa Rica, Chile, and Bolivia. What ties them together is their anticipation of an approaching total solar eclipse and the possibility of alien contact which some are convinced comes with it.
The scenery, which takes center stage as many of the characters spend a lot of time eyeing the sky, is gorgeous and well-photographed, the acting is generally strong, and there are a couple of memorable sequences, particularly one involving a spaceman and a girl in a ball gown. Nevertheless, for the most part, Third World fails to deeply engage.
The problem is that we're never given an opportunity to really plumb any of the characters' depths. In an effort to keep the story moving briskly, director César Caro Cruz switches locations and stories frequently, and, because these sets of characters never meet or cross-interact, we never get to know any of them well enough to really care what happens to them.
The most affecting and relatable story of the lot is that of Amaya, whose search for her estranged father and resulting emotional crisis could have made a deeply engrossing movie in its own right. But Cruz squanders the opportunity and actress Carmen Tito's subtle talent by diluting her story with paranormal shtick and limp romance.
The serious part of the plot and the campy, over-the-top part suffer equally from their juxtaposition with one another. Each, on its own, is viable; together, they creating an uneven tone that distances the viewer. I found myself wishing at times that Cruz had ditched all the solemn and plausibly mystical aspects and allowed himself to plunge headlong into hectic comedy, for which he has an obvious knack.
Another side effect of this glut of characters and locations is that Cruz gives himself too many separate threads to tie up by the end. Poor Amaya's quest is left dangling, never to be resolved. I'm tempted to think that the filmmakers got so caught up in the idea of a film that spans three countries that they didn't consider all the potential ramifications. Perhaps that's uncharitable. Still, I'd much rather see what Cruz and his company could do with a story grounded firmly in one world.
