Shattering Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity in “Say a Little Prayer”

In the landscape of American cinema, it’s common to see Latino actors confined to roles of criminals, immigrants, or housekeepers. However, the romantic comedy “Say a Little Prayer” breaks free from these stereotypes. It showcases successful American Latino characters, who are professionals and homeowners, in a plot that doesn’t revolve around poverty, immigration, or marginalization. While it’s a refreshing change in terms of representation, the film falls short in other areas, being markedly ordinary.

The screenplay, penned by Nancy De Los Santos-Reza, is brought to life by the energetic direction of Patrick Perez Vidauri. The film navigates the life of Adela (played by Vannessa Vasquez), a soon-to-be gallery owner in San Antonio, Texas. Despite her professional success, her personal life is in disarray, with her boyfriend Enrique (Jack Murillo) showing no signs of commitment or fidelity.

Adela’s two best friends, Ruby (Jackie Cruz) and Cristina (Vivian Lamolli), represent diverse experiences within the Latino community. Ruby is a fiery character who is always adorned with hoop earrings, while Cristina is a composed Afro-Latina from the Bronx. Their characters signify the film’s attempt at diverse representation, but the execution feels more like a checklist than a genuine portrayal of diverse personalities.

The film’s plot twists and interpersonal conflicts are reminiscent of many other similar narratives, offering little in terms of innovation. A notable appearance is made by veteran Mexican actress Angélica María, who plays Adela’s concerned grandmother. The women in their family have a tradition of praying to Anthony of Padua to find their ideal romantic partner. This element, along with the implication that a woman isn’t complete until she settles down, are common tropes in Latino stories and are not adequately questioned or subverted in this film.

In a serendipitous turn of events, artist Rafael Reza (portrayed by Puerto Rican musician Luis Fonsi, famed for his hit song “Despacito”) crosses paths with both Adela and Ruby, charming them with his chivalry. This encounter inevitably leads to friction between the friends. Surprisingly, Fonsi, who is relatively new to acting outside of music videos, delivers a restrained performance, standing out among the more exaggerated performances from the rest of the cast. Fonsi’s musical talent is utilized in a sequence where Rafael serenades Adela with the movie’s main song, “Prayer in Your Eyes,” at a bar.

The film serves as a visual love letter to the city of San Antonio, with director Perez Vidauri and cinematographer Mario Gallegos capturing the city’s famous River Walk and other landmarks. However, the film’s aesthetic, while professionally executed, lacks a distinctive visual identity and feels more like a well-curated Instagram feed.

In terms of theme, “Say a Little Prayer” echoes early 2000s films “Tortilla Soup” and “Chasing Papi,” which were comedies targeted at English-speaking Latino populations in the United States. However, the character arcs in “Say a Little Prayer” are less defined, leading to less compelling performances from the cast. Vasquez briefly ventures into more dramatic territory, but these moments are fleeting and often overshadowed by the film’s more formulaic elements.

While “Say a Little Prayer” may be forgettable, its existence, along with similar films, is essential for cultivating a diverse U.S. Latino filmmaking landscape. By casting actors from various Latino backgrounds and not confining the narrative to one specific national identity, the filmmakers have created a product that could potentially appeal to a broad audience seeking light-hearted entertainment. Though it excels more as an aspirational venture than a piece of inspired cinema, “Say a Little Prayer” does fulfill its promise of portraying Latinos in a different socioeconomic light than what has traditionally been depicted in mainstream media.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Say a Little Prayer” about?

“Say a Little Prayer” is a romantic comedy that follows the life of a soon-to-be gallery owner, Adela, who is struggling with her personal life. The film presents a diverse range of Latino characters and breaks away from common stereotypes.

Who are the main actors in “Say a Little Prayer”?

The film features Vannessa Vasquez as Adela, Jackie Cruz as Ruby, Vivian Lamolli as Cristina, and Luis Fonsi as Rafael Reza.

What makes “Say a Little Prayer” unique?

While the film is largely ordinary, it stands out for its diverse representation of Latino characters and its departure from common stereotypes.

Credit: variety.com