An exploration of identity and creativity set against the backdrop of the largely unexplored realm of classic Latin jazz, Becoming Vera is a quiet, reflective drama that finds its comforting centre in the performance of Raquel Lebish as the titular Vera.
As the film closes out, writer/director Sergio Vizuete states that “23,000 children age out of the foster system each year in the US. At 18 years old, they are alone and unprepared. Despite the obstacles, many demonstrate remarkable resilience to achieve anything.” This is all encapsulating for the young Vera, who has aged out of the foster system and is uncertain about her future.
It’s not that she’s without any ambition or talent, but she’s aware that her age, sex and race immediately puts her on something of a backfoot, and navigating the complexities of modern day Miami will certainly prove a challenge, though not one she can’t overcome. Adulthood, the reality of financial instability, and the emotional scars that remain from her time in foster care linger on psyche, but the solace she finds in the world of Latin jazz and the effortlessness in which she can tinker with the genre on her piano speaks to the resilience within herself that she’ll need to enhance to make it in the competitive world of professional music.
Managing a painting job on a contract basis, Vera is tasked with adorning the walls of a new music studio overseen by Hector (Gabriel Diehl), and despite needing the job to make ends meet – though she already starts off on a bad impression by being late on her first day – she can’t resist taking time out of her painting schedule to play a freestyle arrangement on the studio piano. This doesn’t sit well with key player Ellen (Mikaela Monet), though Hector sees Vera’s obvious talent, utilising such for his own benefit.
It’s in Hector’s villainy that Becoming Vera adheres to a certain melodramatic temperament within the music-centered drama genre (though we’re usually used to seeing them set within the dance world, ala Step Up), but Diehl’s performance is never overtly theatrical. And it certainly isn’t a stretch to believe such low tactics would be employed; despite Vera elevating a recent piece of Ellen’s, Hector refuses to let the young player earn the credit she so deserves.
Vizuete makes sure Becoming Vera is more than being about the character fighting for her place in the eyes of Hector though. It’s about the expectations society has for what they believe someone like Vera represents. It’s about facing hardships on her own for the first time. And how one’s creativity is so often their greatest strength.
Though, as a drama, it may not necessarily break new narratively, Becoming Vera earns its ovation through what it represents, especially for young women who may see themselves within the character and Lebish’s thoughtful performance. More than a film about pursuing dreams, Vizuete’s drama looks to forging your own path in the world, and what it can mean to define your own future; and, most importantly, sound good as you’re doing it.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Becoming Vera is screening as part of this year’s Miami Film Festival, running between April 3rd and 13th, 2025. For more information on the festival and screening times, head to the official site here.
