75
Slant Magazine by Diego Semerene
The drag in the film rejects the U.S.-centric obsession with "realness" and the acrobatics that come with it.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
90
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
A startlingly beautiful movie.
75
With a docudrama approach capturing moments of reflective tranquility next to the beach or on a rooftop, Viva feels deeply rooted in its location.
91
Entertainment Weekly by Leah Greenblatt
Havana’s crumbling trapped-in-time beauty also plays a starring role, but it’s Medina who provides the movie’s raw, tender heart.
67
The A.V. Club by Mike D'Angelo
Perugorría is such a terrific, soulful actor that he makes Viva’s predictable dramatic trajectory — disapproving dad slowly grows to accept his child’s differences, while the kid gradually learns to forgive his father’s lifelong absence — seem a bit less moldy.
60
Village Voice by Monica Castillo
Despite its gorgeous views and a pair of strong turns from veteran Cuban actors Perugorría and García, the film doesn't connect to the heart of its central character.
75
Miami Herald by Rene Rodriguez
Viva is "Rocky" in drag and sequins, transplanted to Havana. The movie is pure formula, but it’s surprisingly effective anyway, because director Paddy Breathnach and screenwriter Mark O’Halloran don’t sugarcoat the reality of life on the island.
58
A moving movie that tries too hard to please and thus never truly satisfies.
70
The Hollywood Reporter by Stephen Farber
Despite the predictable touches in the script by Mark O’Halloran, director Paddy Breathnach reveals a sensitive touch with the material.
80
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
It infuses a too-familiar story with so much heart that you surrender to its charm and forgive it for being unabashedly formulaic.