Sonoma International Film Festival Movie Review: ‘Café Chairel’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Mauricio Isaac (Alfonso) and Tessa Ia (Katia) in writer/director Fernando Barreda Luna’s CAFÉ CHAIREL.

It is definitely safe to say that we are seeing a surge in stories that explore the pain we carry, the impact of trauma and how we come back from that, and it makes sense as to why. For the world is a messy place in 2025, and the anxiety we are experiencing from that is triggering old haunts that we thought were long gone. Not to mention, as a society, we are finally coming to understand that most of our problems are derived from something deep within and those two elements are absolutely driving people to learn more about such matters and yes, seek advice through entertainment because it absolutely helps us process and heal. 
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But while it is lovely to finally see the world recognize such truths about the human psyche, there is a slight problem when it comes to this surge of stories about our flaws and our pain. In that, they are a little too… upbeat and inspiring. Which might seem like a strange thing to read but think about it for a second. Because so many of these movies and shows, and books, offer happy endings and quick journeys toward that joyous finale and that… just does people a disservice. Because healing is a long and winding process. One wrought with tough days and setbacks and low points, and our happy ending might not manifest itself in the way we want it to, and we should know that up front, and stories in that vein should be honest in such matters. Which is why we must celebrate stories that offer that truth, such as the powerhouse drama that recently debuted at the Sonoma international Film Festival, Café Chairel.

A feat this film accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of strangers at vastly different places in their lives. For Alfonso is a budding coffee entrepreneur, eager to offer a new kind of coffee experience and Katia is merely looking to make peace with some old memories in his town, and in any other life, neither would cross paths. But her desire to check out the shop, combined with a deep understanding that they are both sharing in something deeper and more powerful than they’ve said aloud… bonds these two in a unique manner. Wherein they will simply bury themselves in one another’s company and coffee, in the hopes of finding peace to the powerful pain they carry, and what lie ahead from this decision… is a harrowing journey of discovery. One that will alter their lives and their paths for certain, but only time will tell them if that will be for the better.

Which is a plot that offers up, a vastly different exploration of trauma and the gravity of loss and grief, and the ghosts that haunt us. For this story steers clear of the tropes often found in these films since there is no sudden joy or hope that this duo finds by meeting one another and learning of their pain. They simply trauma bond, as we do sometimes… and just… function. Which is something we don’t showcase enough in popular media or talk about, because that would indeed ‘sully’ the journey. But that is what we do. We go through the motions; we bury ourselves in tasks that keep our minds and emotions busy. We simply go on in that dream like state and get lost to not have to face our feels and seeing that presented in the raw is powerful and moving. 

Since it truly showcases what happens before we start to heal, and where this film truly shines, is in pointing out that sometimes… the pain gets worse before it gets better. Since we see Katia really bury herself in her memories and indulge in anger and pain over them and the lack of immediate progress regarding her quest. Not to mention, we see Alfonso collapse mentally and emotionally from his own demons. For that which haunts him makes him feel worthless and brings him to such low places and that… is about as real as it gets. For those who hurt from trauma, those who have lost someone, can speak to those moments and speak to the unhealthy behaviors one commits to, to feel anything but the pain of the moment, and that makes for a sobering feature that is as brilliant as it is bold.

For this is that rare film that properly explores the darkness that finds us, and how much it aches and tears at our very soul. And it presents how we see the world as cruel for not giving us time to breathe, and how the bright spots fade fast during this era in our lives. But it does offer up a way forward, in a manner as blunt and as brokenly beautiful as any other moment offered here. Which brings forth a story that explores healing in the most honest manner possible, and how it is a hideous process that teaches lessons that won’t be known for some time, and it deserves applause and awe for going that route. Because this is what popular media needs to present on such matters. Not to scare us, but to prepare us. For the long road ahead to brighter days and better tomorrows and the peace we aren’t sure we will ever see when the darkness hangs over us.

To see ‘Café Chairel’ visit the Sonoma International Film Festival website.

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