Name: Today We Fix the World
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2022-01-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Leonardo Sbaraglia, Benjamín Otero, Natalia Oreiro, Charo López, Luis Luque

The opening scene of Today We Fix the World hits hard: David Samarás, known as “El Griego” (Leonardo Sbaraglia), is mid-rant on his talk show, Hoy se arregla el mundo. His guest, a trembling woman, is reduced to tears as he lectures her about her life choices with the smug certainty of a man who’s never faced his own. It’s a moment that encapsulates the film’s central tension—the performative empathy of television versus the messy reality of human connection.

Ariel Winograd’s 2022 comedy-drama is a flawed but occasionally poignant exploration of paternity, identity, and the facades we construct for public consumption. The film follows David, a general producer of a popular talk show where guests air their personal crises, only to have them resolved—or exploited—for prime-time entertainment. His world is upended when he learns that Benito (Benjamín Otero), the 9-year-old son he’s raised as his own, is not biologically his. What follows is a journey of self-discovery for both father and son, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship in the wake of this revelation.

Leonardo Sbaraglia delivers a performance that is equal parts infuriating and compelling. His portrayal of David is layered with contradictions: he’s arrogant and manipulative on stage but vulnerable and loving off it. The film’s strength lies in its ability to make us root for David despite his flaws, particularly in the scenes where he struggles to reconcile his public persona with his private emotions. Sbaraglia’s performance anchors the film, even when the narrative stumbles.

Benjamín Otero is a standout as Benito, bringing an authenticity and emotional depth that elevates the film. Their dynamic is the heart of Today We Fix the World, and their scenes together are some of the most genuinely affecting moments in the film. The chemistry between Sbaraglia and Otero is palpable, making their father-son relationship feel real and messy, just as it should.

Winograd’s direction leans heavily into the talk show format, using it as a framing device that underscores David’s hypocrisy. The studio scenes are tightly scripted and performative, while the more intimate moments between David and Benito feel raw and unvarnished. This contrast is one of the film’s strongest assets, highlighting the disconnect between the lives David presents on television and the reality he faces at home.

However, Today We Fix the World stumbles when it tries to balance its tonal shifts. The comedy often feels forced, relying too heavily on broad humor that clashes with the film’s more serious themes. For example, the scenes involving David’s colleagues—such as Diego Peretti’s Billy and Martín Piroyansky’s Cosentino—are frequently underwhelming, falling back on cheap laughs rather than exploring the nuanced dynamics of their relationships.

The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Natalia Oreiro as Silvina brings a warmth and authenticity to her role, but her character is sidelined in favor of more conventional plot developments. Charo López as Yani and Soledad Silveyra as Patricia add depth to the narrative, but their roles are underutilized, leaving them feeling more like background characters than fully realized individuals.

The film’s structure also falters in its third act, where the narrative takes a predictable turn toward melodrama. What begins as a nuanced exploration of fatherhood devolves into a series of contrived confrontations and emotional outbursts. The pacing drags, and the resolution feels rushed, robbing the story of the emotional weight it had built up.

Despite its flaws, Today We Fix the World offers moments of genuine insight into the complexities of family and identity. Winograd’s use of the talk show format is clever, providing a critique of reality television and the performative nature of modern life. The film’s themes are timely and relevant, particularly in an era where public personas often overshadow private truths.

Today We Fix the World is a film that will resonate most with audiences who enjoy character-driven dramas with a touch of comedy. It’s not for those looking for a tightly plotted narrative or a straightforward resolution.