Tocayos

Abstract

Log line: After returning home to reconnect with his cognitively declining grandfather, a struggling filmmaker discovers that he must reconcile with his estranged father in order to heal his family.

Synopsis: Momo Cruz has no home. His dreams of becoming the next great documentarian, a Frederick Wisemen of sorts, are abruptly disrupted when he receives a call that his grandfather, Chava, is in the hospital. Momo's reluctant return to his hometown is greeted by Junior, his newly sober father. Through Dr. Mao, Chava's neurologist, Momo discovers that not only does Chava have dementia, but also that it is steadily deteriorating. With infamous Catholic guilt, Junior convinces Momo to stay and help.

As an act of gratitude, Junior gifts Momo his childhood camera yet this only resurfaces pain. After secretly viewing the camera footage, Momo comes up with the idea for his next documentary. He will film Chava, exploring his life and fight both time and illness. Junior is appalled at this, deeming it as exploitative, yet Chava could not be more excited to become the next "Hollywood hotshot."

As the documentary takes form, without Junior's help, Chava's dementia starts to materialize as a baseball game in his mind. Momo learns how to be a caretaker from his father, witnessing a gentler side of Junior that Momo never knew existed. Tensions bubble until Momo and Junior must finally confront the past that has poisoned their relationship. Now decidedly a team, they both endure the brutality of Chava's illness as he becomes less and less of the man they knew.

A close brush with death sends Chava into a spiral that immobilizes him and leaves him hopeless. Dr.Mao sadly informs the family Chava's condition will not get any better. At the realization of this, Chava begins to express the will to die. Much to Momo's surprise, Junior, after years of caretaking, wants to honor Chava's wishes. Momo rejects this, fearing both the death of his grandfather and what might be his most important documentary ever made.

Behind Momo's back, Junior is able to convince Dr.Mao to assist in Chava's request. Junior and Dr.Mao help Chava transition, as Chava finally makes it to home base. When Momo discovers what has happened, he's unable to forgive his father and vows to never return, leaving behind the camera as a token of his scorn. Junior, in turn, picks up the camera, and finally contributes to the documentary.