Written, directed by, and starring David De La Barcena, ‘Papa’ is a heartwarming drama that sneaks up on you with its quiet sincerity. At its core, it’s about David (played by Barcena himself), a young man who tirelessly saves his earnings to visit his grandpa. There’s no dramatic outburst, no forced sentimentality – just an honest glimpse into a life shaped by longing, persistence, and the small, everyday struggles of making ends meet.
For a low-budget film, ‘Papa’ looks anything but. The cinematography by Matthew Rodgers is rich and polished, with lighting and color grading that wouldn’t be out of place in a high-end production. The sound design and music follow suit, never overpowering, but always adding the right emotional undertone.
Barcena’s performance is authentic – there’s no sense of “acting” here, just a guy living his truth. His determination to save up enough money plays out in subtle, relatable ways. One of the best touches is the recurring shot of his savings jar, a simple but effective visual that shows time passing without the need for exposition. It’s these small details that make ‘Papa’ feel personal, like a memory rather than a scripted narrative.
Despite its simplicity, ‘Papa’ is an example that a film doesn’t need grand spectacle to be compelling. It’s neat, well-crafted, and moving, resonating with anyone who’s ever worked toward something just out of reach. There’s a lot of heart to this story, not in an over-the-top, sentimental way, but in the quiet, unspoken moments.
