Sundance Film Explores Family Trauma in Watts

Set in the working-class neighborhood of Watts, Los Angeles, Walter Thompson-Hernández's feature film "If I Go Will They Miss" expands on his earlier short. The movie critically examines the deep-seated tensions within a family struggling to reconnect following the father's, Big Ant's, return from prison. His past incarceration for violence profoundly impacted his family, and their lives are still marked by the consequences.

Central to the narrative is the adolescent Lil Ant, who escapes his circumstances through surreal, imaginative visions, dreaming of flying away. His father, Big Ant, upon release, finds himself changed and struggles to reintegrate. A poignant moment arises when Big Ant discourages his son's drawings, which depict him as a hero, revealing the father's own unfulfilled dreams and flaws.

Lozita, Big Ant's wife and Lil Ant's mother, portrayed by Danielle Brooks, is the film's emotional anchor. As Big Ant reverts to old patterns, Lozita must navigate her own desires while holding the family together. Brooks' nuanced performance, particularly in quieter moments, highlights her character's strength and internal conflict, showcasing the matriarch's vital role in the family's journey.

The film's expansion from its short form allows for richer dynamics, especially concerning the matriarch. While this addition is significant, it subtly shifts the narrative from the short's unbound, free-flowing nature. Despite a slight stumble at its conclusion, the film remains a vibrant and ambitious cinematic portrait of a family striving to find their way.