Name: Cassandro
Genre: Drama
Released: 2023-09-14T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gael García Bernal, Roberta Colindrez, Perla de la Rosa, Joaquín Cosío, Raúl Castillo

The opening shot of Cassandro lingers on Gael García Bernal’s piercing gaze, his face half-hidden by the glittering mask of his alter ego. It’s an image that encapsulates the film’s central tension: the push and pull between identity and performance, between the raw vulnerability of Saúl Armendáriz and the flamboyant spectacle of Cassandro.

Roger Ross Williams’ biopic follows the true story of Saúl (Bernal), a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rises to international stardom after creating Cassandro, the “Liberace of Lucha Libre.” The film doesn’t just chronicle his ascent; it dissects the cost of authenticity in a world that demands conformity. Bernal’s performance is the backbone of Cassandro, a masterclass in restraint and intensity. He captures Saúl’s quiet desperation, the way his body language shifts from self-loathing to defiance as he embraces his identity. The scene where Saúl first dons the Cassandro persona—glitter, sequins, and all—is electrifying, not just because of the visual transformation but because Bernal conveys the terror and liberation that come with stepping into a new skin.

The film’s strength lies in its specificity. The wrestling sequences are visceral, the choreography sharp enough to sell the physicality without sacrificing narrative momentum. Marcelo Zarvos’ score underscores key moments with a pulsing energy, particularly in “First Fight” and “Victory,” where the music swells to mirror Cassandro’s triumphs. The supporting cast, especially Roberta Colindrez as Sabrina and Raúl Castillo as Gerardo, adds depth to Saúl’s relationships, though Bad Bunny’s brief appearance as Felipe feels like a missed opportunity—his character is underdeveloped, reduced to a plot device rather than a fully realized presence.

Where Cassandro falters is in its pacing. The film rushes through key moments of Saúl’s life, particularly his struggle with addiction and the emotional fallout of his suicide attempt. These are pivotal scenes that demand more nuance; instead, they’re glossed over, leaving the audience to piece together their significance. The ending, while satisfying, feels abrupt. A year passes in a montage, and suddenly Saúl is a success, having overcome his demons. It’s a neat resolution, but one that doesn’t fully explore the messy reality of recovery.

Culturally, Cassandro shines. It’s a love letter to Mexican and Chicano culture, particularly the tension between homophobia and acceptance in the wrestling world. The film doesn’t shy away from the bigotry Saúl faces, but it also celebrates the joy and community found within lucha libre. The details—from the vibrant costumes to the charged atmosphere of the wrestling rings—are rendered with care.

The film’s exploration of queer identity is both tender and brave. Saúl’s journey from self-loathing to pride is portrayed with sensitivity, though at times it leans into tropes of queer suffering without fully subverting them. The inclusion of real-life wrestlers like El Hijo del Santo adds authenticity, but their roles are somewhat superficial, serving more as set dressing than as characters with agency.

Comparisons to other biopics about queer icons—like Rocketman or Bohemian Rhapsody—are inevitable, but Cassandro carves out its own niche by grounding Saúl’s story in the specific cultural context of lucha libre. The film’s visual style is understated, relying on naturalistic performances and intimate close-ups rather than grand spectacle. This choice grounds the story in reality, making Saúl’s struggles feel immediate and visceral.

The direction by Roger Ross Williams is solid but unremarkable. He handles the wrestling sequences with confidence, but his approach to the dramatic beats feels somewhat conventional. The film’s emotional highs and lows are well-executed, but they lack the cinematic flair that could have elevated Cassandro from a good biopic to a great one.

The themes of identity and acceptance are timeless, making Cassandro a film with broad appeal. It will resonate most strongly with audiences who appreciate stories about queer resilience and cultural authenticity. However, its pacing issues and rushed resolution may leave some viewers wanting more depth.

In the end, Cassandro is a compelling, if flawed, biopic. It’s elevated by Bernal’s performance and its cultural richness but held back by its rushed narrative choices.