Cry Macho (2021)

Cry Macho (2021), an American neo-Western drama film, follows the story of retired rodeo star Mike Milo. Due to a debilitating back injury, Mike has left his career behind in 1979. However, he is soon approached by his former boss Howard Polk, who asks him to bring Howard’s 15-year-old son Rafo from Mexico City to live with him on the ranch. Upon arriving in Mexico City, Mike meets Leta, Rafo’s mother and owner of several illegal businesses. Despite previous failed attempts by Howard to retrieve his son, Leta appears cooperative and reveals that Rafo has turned to crime and participates in cockfights with his rooster Macho. Mike discovers this when he catches Rafo in the middle of a cockfight during a police raid. As soon as the police leave, Mike approaches Rafo and informs him about his father’s wishes for him to come and live at the ranch.

Despite his doubts, Rafo reluctantly agrees to join Mike on their trip back to Texas. As he goes off to gather his belongings, Mike informs Leta of their departure, causing her to react with hostility and making threats towards him. In response, Leta sends a group of her men to tail Mike. However, upon realizing that Rafo has snuck into his truck with Macho, Mike decides to take him along after all when Rafo reveals his desire to see his father. While at a restaurant, Mike contacts Howard and informs him of their location. Once outside the restaurant, one of Leta’s henchmen, Aurelio, tries to forcefully take Rafo and spreads lies about Mike kidnapping him. Rafo quickly defends himself by accusing Aurelio of being a predator, leading the locals to intervene and beat up Aurelio. With no means of transportation after their truck is stolen by thieves, Mike and Rafo continue their journey on foot and stop at a cantina where they meet the kind owner Marta who helps them evade police officers looking for them. Despite facing multiple police checkpoints along the way, they press on until turning back due to unforeseen circumstances.