The Other Tom delicately tackles an issue that is usually painted in broad strokes. Elena (Julia Chavez) is a Latina single mother living with the aid of Social Services in El Paso, Texas. Tom has behavioral issues and is stigmatized at school as a problem child. He is soon diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) leading to a strange accident that alerts Elena to the side effects of the drug. When she decides to stop administering the medication to her son, Social Services threatens to take Tom away.
The movie takes on an important issue – there has been an increase in ADHD diagnoses and it has never been in the public conscious more – but it wants to do more than convey a message. The Other Tom is a personal character driven story about a single mom trying to raise a child on her own. This is made abundantly clear throughout the film. From the subtle camera shots that convey isolation to the more straightforward comments made by those who want to “help” Elena, the audience is constantly being reminded that Elena seems to be dealing with everything without anyone else’s understanding or compassion.
This means the characters in The Other Tom are especially important. They have to pull viewers into their world and get over the pain and frustration that is going through both of their lives. This is always a difficult thing to do, and is made even harder by the fact that Chavez and Israel Rodriguez (Tom) both are first time actors.
Often, this means making the characters as empathetic, relatable, and likable as possible. The empathy easily comes across, and while everyone will not be able to relate to the specific issues, they will understand what Elena is going through. In an interesting turn, The Other Tom is not concerned with making its two main characters people others will necessarily look up to. Instead, it is a realistic watch with a mother and son that have their flaws. This actually makes it easier to root for the pair – even when Elena makes some rash decisions.
The Other Tom is more about shining a light on an issue than giving any answers. Elena is easy to cheer for, but this does not prevent her from making choices that will upset some. Filmmakers Rodrigo Pla and Laura Santallo also tackle the microaggressions that come with class and gender. It is a somber look at people that are often forgotten ignored.
The Other Tom opens in New York City October 14 and the El Paso Film Festival October 15
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