The Boatman

Miguel is the ideal coyote: committed, focused, and with an impeccable track record. His life is intertwined with the journey of migrants, navigating through back alley gravel, deteriorating roads, and finally, the river. Despite his flawless history, Miguel is well-acquainted with death. His nickname, “El Maldito,” foreshadows what we will soon witness, as Miguel appears to be shadowed by the deceased and the dying. He encounters them on desert paths, listens to their confessions, and fulfills their last wishes. Miguel’s home, much like himself, is solitary; faded photographs echo a life devoted to a single mission—helping his people reach a new beginning. There are indications that this silent battle is about to erupt. When a horrific accident draws Miguel to the roadside, the structure of his life begins to unravel, as Elena, the sole survivor of the crash, recognizes him.