The Mexican dramedy and romance film “Our Times” presents a slow-paced narrative that explores the evolution of gender relations over the past sixty years. Set in 1966 Mexico City, the story follows university professors Nora, portrayed by Lucero, and Hector, played by Benny Ibarra, as they delve into complex theories of space and time with an experimental device resembling a time machine.
Nora is depicted as a trailblazing female physics professor, facing patronizing attitudes from her male colleagues. Despite her challenges, including a lack of recognition and support, she maintains a close partnership with Hector. Their experiments inadvertently propel them 59 years into the future, exposing them to a vastly changed world filled with new social dynamics, including evolving notions of sexual identity and a transformed cultural landscape.
In this new present, they encounter familiar figures from their past, such as Julia, now a respected department chair, and Alonda, the granddaughter of Nora’s sister. The film humorously contrasts the rigid norms of the 1960s with the more liberated attitudes of the future, showcasing advancements like the completed Mexico City subway and the disappearance of smoking.
While the film attempts to address significant themes of empowerment and gender equality, critics note its lack of urgency and engaging pacing. Jokes may feel outdated, and romantic elements come off as clichéd. The narrative struggles to compete with similar time-travel tales that offer more wit and excitement, leading to a reception that suggests good intentions but an overall unsatisfying execution.
Despite its shortcomings, “Our Times” attempts to highlight the strides made in gender relations and societal norms over the decades, perhaps serving as a reminder of the progress achieved and the ongoing journey toward equality and respect in the workplace and beyond.
The film, streaming on Netflix, runs for 90 minutes and is directed by Chava Cartas, with a script by Juan Carlos Garzón and Angélica Gudiño. Despite the critique, the journey through time can still provoke thoughtful discussion about cultural shifts and the importance of supporting women’s aspirations.