Ana

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 3, 2020

Genre
Comedy, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Dafne Keen as Ana
• Andy García as Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez
• Jeanne Tripplehorn as Camila
• Luna Lauren Velez as Maritza
• Ramon Franco as Carlos
• Blas Sien Diaz as Tito

Director
Charles McDougall

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Good Wife (TV series)
• House of Cards (TV series)

Producer

• Luillo Ruiz
• Mark McGarry
• Marcy McGarry

Writer

• Cris Cole

Budget
Estimated $5 million

Production Company

• Wise Entertainment
• Pimienta
• Cinetrix

Running Time
105 minutes

Languages
English, Spanish

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Some thematic elements
• Depictions of poverty

Movie Story
“Ana” is a heartwarming comedy-drama that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a struggling used car salesman, Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez (Andy García), and a feisty young girl named Ana (Dafne Keen). Set against the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s economic crisis, the film follows Rafa as he faces the repossession of his car lot and contemplates leaving the island to escape his mounting debts.

Rafa’s life takes an unexpected turn when Ana, a spirited orphan with a troubled past, crosses his path. Ana, who has been living on the streets, convinces Rafa to take her in, and the two embark on a road trip across the island in a desperate attempt to find Ana’s father and to save Rafa’s business from financial ruin. Along the way, they form an unconventional bond, with Ana’s optimism and resilience helping Rafa to rediscover his sense of purpose and hope.

The film explores themes of family, survival, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity. As Rafa and Ana navigate the challenges of their journey, they encounter a series of colorful characters, each of whom contributes to the film’s blend of humor and pathos. Dafne Keen’s portrayal of Ana is both charming and poignant, while Andy García delivers a nuanced performance as a man struggling with his own failures and regrets.

“Ana” is a story about second chances and the unexpected ways in which people can impact each other’s lives. The film’s portrayal of Puerto Rico’s landscape and culture adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a road movie but also a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.

Special Effects
“Ana” is a film that relies on its strong performances and storytelling rather than on special effects. The film’s visual style is grounded in the reality of its setting, with natural lighting and authentic locations used to enhance the story’s emotional resonance. The focus is on the characters and their journey, allowing the beauty and struggles of Puerto Rico to serve as a poignant backdrop.

Box Office Performance
“Ana” had a limited theatrical release and was more widely seen through streaming platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for the performances of Dafne Keen and Andy García, but some criticism for its pacing and predictability. Despite this, it resonated with audiences looking for a heartfelt, character-driven story.

Filming Locations

• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Various locations across Puerto Rico

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes you have to lose everything to find yourself.” – Rafael “Rafa” Rodriguez
• “You can’t always get what you want, but you can try to make the best of what you have.” – Ana
• “We’re going to be okay, Rafa. We just have to keep going.” – Ana

Behind-the-Scenes
“Ana” was shot entirely on location in Puerto Rico, with the filmmakers aiming to capture the island’s beauty and its socio-economic challenges. The film’s production supported local businesses and talent, providing a boost to the Puerto Rican film industry. Dafne Keen, known for her role in Logan (2017), was praised for bringing both maturity and playfulness to her role, adding depth to her character’s relationship with Andy García’s Rafa.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Family Feature at the 2020 San Diego International Film Festival

Final Verdict
“Ana” is a touching and heartfelt film that shines through its strong lead performances and its portrayal of an unlikely friendship. While the story follows a familiar formula, the chemistry between Dafne Keen and Andy García elevates the narrative, making it an enjoyable and uplifting watch. The film’s exploration of life’s struggles and the importance of human connection resonates, especially against the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture and scenery.

IMDb Rating
6.1/10