The little known pacifist, anti-technological Mennonite community in northern Mexico is the setting for Carlos Reygadas’ latest film. After fleeing Europe in the 17th century, anti-German sentiment in Canada during the First World War drove the Mennonites further south to Mexico, where almost 100,000 live today. Committed family man Johan lives in the moderately conservative community, and he has fallen in love with another woman. Devoted to them both equally and torn over whether or not to continue acting upon his desires, his decision to do so forms the basis of a powerful, riveting narrative. The simple story belies the emotional truths and vivid humanism the film conveys. As with Japon and Battle in Heaven, Reygadas’ slowly built story creates a singular, powerful vision that is as moving in its intensity as it is visually stunning.