Movies

Today We Fix the World: A Heartfelt Road Trip Overshadowed by Talk Show Excess

Martin Cid

The opening scene of Today We Fix the World sets the tone with a stark contrast: David Samarás “El Griego” (Leonardo Sbaraglia), the charismatic producer of a trashy talk show, smoothly orchestrates a tearful reconciliation on air while his own life unravels off-camera. This juxtaposition is the film’s central move, and it works—at least initially.

Ariel Winograd’s 2022 comedy-drama from Argentina has its moments. The chemistry between Sbaraglia and newcomer Benjamín Otero, who plays David’s 9-year-old son Benito, is genuine and often touching. Their road-trip scenes crackle with a warmth that anchors the film, particularly when they’re forced to confront the possibility that their father-son bond might be a lie. The supporting cast, including Natalia Oreiro as Silvina and Diego Peretti as Billy, adds texture to David’s professional and personal life.

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Pedro Onetto’s score is another highlight, subtly shifting between playful and poignant to underscore the film’s emotional beats. The talk show set pieces, with their exaggerated performances and absurd conflicts, serve as a clever counterpoint to the more intimate father-son dynamic. These moments showcase Winograd’s ability to balance humor and heart.

However, Today We Fix the World stumbles when it tries to be too many things at once. The talk show’s over-the-top antics, while initially amusing, grow tiresome, and the film struggles to maintain its tonal balance. Some subplots, like David’s professional dilemmas, feel underdeveloped or tacked on, distracting from the core narrative. Additionally, the pacing falters in the second act, as the search for Benito’s real father drags on without sufficient tension or stakes.

The performances are the film’s strongest asset. Sbaraglia brings depth to David, a man whose public persona is polished but whose private life is messy and unresolved. Otero, in his debut role, holds his own with a natural charm that makes their relationship feel authentic. Natalia Oreiro delivers a standout performance as Silvina, adding emotional weight to the story.

Ultimately, Today We Fix the World is a mixed bag. It has heart and humor, but its ambition outstrips its execution. The film’s best moments—those quiet, intimate scenes between David and Benito—are memorable, but they’re not enough to elevate the whole.

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