Synopsis
Who’s a Good Boy? (El Guau) is a 2022 Mexican comedy coming-of-age film that takes a funny yet insightful look at the complex and emotional experiences that adolescence brings. The film was directed and written by Ihtzi Hurtado. The movie follows the journey of a teenager trying to navigate his last year of high school yearning to redefine himself after living under the rule of “the good boy” label. The film is rich in humor, heartfelt moments, and universal themes of growing up, blending vibrant youthful self-discovery and insecurity.
The plot focuses on Chema, an obedient and academically successful high school senior who has spent most of his school life adhering to the rules. Chema is the quintessential “nice guy”—respectful, dependable, and studious. However, as his peers are starting to enjoy certain activities, in his final year of school, he starts to realize that he is lagging far behind. In particular, Chema is obsessed with the notion of losing his virginity and considers it to be the last remaining box he needs to tick in order to truly transition out of adolescence.
Chema’s efforts for personal change center around achieving the affection of a stunning and enigmatic newcomer to the school by the name of Claudia. He believes he will be able to get rid of his “good boy” image if he is with Claudia, so he goes on a humorous yet ill-conceived quest to capture her attention. To accomplish these goals, he faces a myriad of other teenage challenges, such as fitting in, awkward moments, and bad advice from friends.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear to Chema that the journey isn’t as straightforward as simply winning a girl’s affection and altering her perception of him. His journey towards self-discovery with his loyal friends, family, and the affection of Claudia gradually makes him realize what actually holds value in life. The climax of the film expresses deeper reflections on one’s self, closeness, and the significance of real relationships as opposed to hollow success.
In the end, Chema realizes that being a “good boy” is not as humiliating as he thinks it to be, and recognizes that growing up doesn’t entail leaving parts of yourself behind. Rather, it involves developing the courage and maturity to own.
Cast & Characters
The film is further improved by a youthful, vibrant, and unforgettable cast who give life to the film’s character with their talent.
Sebastian Dante takes on the role of Chema, infusing warmth with humor and empathy while imbuing undeniable emotional resonance in his performance. Hector captures the essence of a teenager grappling with the tension of yearning to reinvent himself and learning to come to terms with the beauty of accepting his true self.
Sirena Ortiz plays Claudia, the enigmatic new girl who sets the plot in motion. Rather than only a typical love interest, Ortiz plays Claudia as a reflection of Chema’s wounds and a critical driver of his transformation.
The group of friends who, both support and baffle Chema, are portrayed by Harold Azuara, Luisa Guzmán Quintero, Diego Melendez, and Yankel Stevan. Each character offers their own struggles to the story, thus creating a compelling and entertaining ensemble dynamic.
Grettell Valdez plays Gloria, adding parental depth to Chema’s world, bringing comfort and guidance during his emotionally tender moments.
Supporting cast members such as Nashla Aguilar, Marialicia Delgado, and Andrea Mextli populate the vibrant setting of high school with representatives of its varying dimensions—teenage popularity, rebellion, awkwardness, and underlying anxiety.
Direction & Production
Ihtzi Hurtado both wrote and directed the film, showcasing a youthful perspective on teen comedies. Committed to capturing a contemporary feeling, Hurtado understands the relatable pressure faced by teenagers today and molds an authentic narrative. While the pacing, tone, and dialogue cater to a younger audience, there is a depth that allows many adults to appreciate the story.
Social media-inspired aesthetics, a modern color palette, and dynamic camera work combine to present the physically active world of high school. Javier Morón’s cinematography sustains visual interest, from crowded school hallways to quieter reflective settings.
Sebastián Bell and Axel Ricco’s work enhances the story’s sound through its chaotic or introspective musical cues. They help carry the emotional climaxes of the film, leading to an increase in youthful liveliness throughout its rhythm.
Gilberto González Penilla’s editing maintains a sharp pace throughout the film; this is particularly important for capturing the intensity of comedic scenes. The film’s balance of humor and sincerity further drives its cohesion.
Themes and Analysis
Identiy is at the core of the movie Who’s a Good Boy? It captures the ridiculousness that comes with the harrowing teenage life and their constant battle with societal construct of “what being cool or mature looks like”. The attempt by Chema in the film to lose his virginity was treated as a form of comedy, but the film in reality highlights the greater issues that exist beneath the surface like: anxiety, kinking social norms, and the gaping fear of being devoid.
One of those most important issues the film tries to highlight is that people should learn to embrace being authentic. In this case, Chema’s story strongly highlights the notion of trying too hard to fit in never leads to fulfillment. Although, it gives the encouraging idea for youth that they should strive to take pride in their identity, even if that means that they are different.
As much as this film is about Chama, it tackles the issues like the importance of friendship as well. While Chema’s friends may be providing him with problematic support too, their friendship is greatly important for Chema’s progression. Their friendship helps underline the idea of support and compassion, that know are the true strength even when the world is turning upside down in a hilarious way.
Reception
In comparison to other films, Whose a Good Boy received mixed to positive reviews, but most audiences seem to appreciate the humor, relatability, and emotion the movie carries. Audiences also mainly enjoyed the performance of Sebastián Dante and the contemporary take the film had on modern day teenage life. Critics pointed out that in this film there is some use of self-aware cliches, but the movie is balanced out by its charm.
Arguably some of the criticisms of the movie is how predictable the plot is and the reliance on overused devices. Nonetheless, these arguments are often overshadowed by how sincere and culturally specific the film is, making it stand out in relation to other films in the teen comedy genre.
Conclusion
Who’s a Good Boy? is a movie that appears fun, yet when closely looked at the film exposes deep, sincere, surprisingly insightful depiction of coming-of-age and teenage life from a Mexican perspective. The film effectively entertains the intended target audience of all ages through its graspable humor, emotional depth, and well written characters.
Although it uses elements of teenage comedy, its customs, expressions, and structure set it apart in a captivating way. This particular film embraces the sentiment that coming of age is not about changing into a different person, but rather understanding and valuing the person you have been all along. It doesn’t matter if you are an adolescent undergoing self-reflection or a grownup reminisicing with fondness; Who’s A Good Boy? serves as a witty yet sincere vision into the turbulent years of teenage life.
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