[Sundance ’22] ‘Chiqui’ review: Entertaining throwback leaves audiences wanting more

Chiqui wastes no time reminding audiences of television shows from the 1980s. Screening in the Indie Episodic section at the Sundance Film Festival, the show is about Chiqui and Carolos. The two have emigrated from Columbia and come to America with their unborn son. Things take a sour turn almost immediately. The pilot places viewers squarely in the late 1980s. Many scenes are accompanied by a television. Movies and music videos from the time are seen throughout Chiqui. The fashion is also very much of the era. Director Carlos Cardona never overdoes things and makes sure the show never becomes a parody of the period.

Chiqui is an engaging character. She is vulgar, strong-willed, and silly. She is also prone to making impulsive decisions. The expectant mother is also in a new country where she does not know the language and does not have a job. Her frustration is obvious and audiences will want to see her next move. She is rough around the edges, but there is an undeniable charm to her.

Despite its fish out of water premise, Chiqui is not the comedy some may expect. It has some funny moments, but it seems to be more of a character study. The show puts Chiqui through a lot during its premiere and her reactions are very interesting. They are also a window into what type of person she is. The first episode will want viewers wanting to see more.

The Sundance Film Festival is online January 20- January 30. Tickets can be purchased and a full lineup can be found here.