The Grand Illusion

In the heart of a bustling Times Square kitchen, dreams and desperation collide as the back-of-house staff each chase the elusive American dream. When money goes missing from the till, the spotlight falls on Pedro (Raúl Briones), a passionate dreamer entangled in a tumultuous love affair with Julia (Rooney Mara), a waitress grappling with her own commitments. As tensions rise and shocking revelations unfold, the relentless pace of the kitchen threatens to shatter the hopes and aspirations of those who keep it running. It's a high-stakes drama that explores the intersection of the personal ambition and systemic exploitation of undocumented immigrant workers within the pressure-cooker environment of a Times Square New York restaurant.

In English and Spanish (with English subtitles).

“A monumental work of righteous anger… a wonder to see, feel, and take in.” Robert Daniels, RogerEbert.com

“A chaotic symphony [that] mixes biting social critique with stylistic bravura… If the United States is a melting pot, this is the furnace.” Peter Debruge, Variety