Honestly, most people sleep on Mexican romantic comedies because they expect the same tired tropes we've seen a thousand times. You know the drill. A rich person meets a poor person, they argue, they fall in love, and there is a wedding at a vineyard. But nada que ver pelicula actually tries to do something different. It isn’t just a fluff piece. Directed by Kenya Márquez, this 2023 film dives into the uncomfortable reality of disability and social class without being overly preachy or, worse, pitying.
It’s about Carlos and Paola.
Carlos is a nurse, or more accurately, a caregiver played by Memo Villegas. He’s struggling. He’s got debts. He needs a win. Then there is Paola, played by Fiona Palomo, who is a high-society woman who recently lost her sight. She’s prickly. She’s frustrated. She’s trapped in a world that now feels dark and claustrophobic. Their relationship starts as a transaction, but it turns into a messy, realistic exploration of how we see people when we can't actually see them.
The unexpected casting that makes the movie work
Most "inspirational" movies about disability cast someone who feels like a saint. Not here. Fiona Palomo brings a specific kind of jagged edge to Paola. She isn't a "brave soul." She’s a person who is rightfully angry at her situation. This matters. If you’ve ever dealt with a sudden life-altering injury, you know that "inspiration" is the last thing on your mind. You're usually just trying to figure out how to navigate your living room without bruising your shins.
Memo Villegas is the secret weapon. You might recognize him from his viral "Teniente Harina" sketches, but in nada que ver pelicula, he pivots. He brings a grounded, blue-collar sincerity to Carlos. He’s not a savior. He’s a guy doing a job who happens to have enough empathy to treat Paola like a human being instead of a patient or a tragedy.
The chemistry isn't about long, sweeping gazes. Obviously. It's about sound. It’s about the way they talk over each other. It’s about the friction of two different Mexicos—the one with the sprawling estates and the one where you’re counting pesos for the bus—colliding in a bedroom where the lights don't need to be on.
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Why the setting of Guadalajara matters more than you think
Most Mexican cinema that makes it to international streaming is centered on Mexico City. It’s always the same streets in Roma or Condesa. Refreshingly, nada que ver pelicula was filmed in Guadalajara. This gives the film a different texture. The architecture, the pace of life, and even the way the characters interact feel distinct from the "Chilango" vibe we usually get.
Director Kenya Márquez has a history of darker, more socially conscious work, like Fecha de Caducidad. Bringing that sensibility to a commercial dramedy was a smart move. She avoids the "telenovela lighting" that plagues so many modern Mexican films. Instead, the cinematography uses shadow and space to mimic Paola’s internal state. You feel the isolation.
Breaking down the "blindness" trope
Cinema has a rocky history with portraying visual impairment. Usually, it's used as a metaphor for "inner vision" or some other cloying sentiment. While nada que ver pelicula does lean into some sentimental moments—it is a dramedy, after all—it stays rooted in the physical reality of Paola’s life.
- The frustration of losing independence.
- The way family members start talking about you instead of to you.
- The reliance on auditory cues that most people ignore.
- The awkwardness of physical touch when you can't see it coming.
Paola’s family is, quite frankly, exhausting. They represent that specific brand of over-protection that actually ends up being a form of erasure. They want her to be "safe," which is really just code for "out of the way." Carlos is the only one who pushes her, not because he’s a jerk, but because he sees that her brain is still working perfectly fine even if her optic nerves aren't.
A look at the supporting cast
The film is rounded out by actors like Nora Velázquez and Rebecca Jones (in one of her final roles). Jones, a legend of Mexican screen and stage, adds a layer of gravitas to the production. Seeing her on screen is bittersweet for fans, but her performance serves as a reminder of the high caliber of talent involved in what could have easily been a disposable direct-to-streaming movie.
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Is it actually funny?
Yes. But it’s a "knowing" kind of funny. The humor comes from the absurdity of their situation. There are moments of physical comedy that work because they aren't mean-spirited. They’re just... life. Carlos’s financial desperation leads him to some questionable choices that provide the levity needed to balance out the heavier themes of loss and identity.
It’s basically a movie about two people who are both "blind" in different ways—one physically, and one to his own potential.
How it compares to "The Intouchables"
It is impossible to watch nada que ver pelicula without thinking of the French hit The Intouchables. The "grumpy person in a wheelchair/blind meets a street-smart caregiver" is a subgenre at this point. However, Márquez’s film feels more intimate. It doesn't try to be a grand statement on race or national identity. It’s a character study.
While The Intouchables relied heavily on the "magic" of the caregiver changing the rich man's life, Nada que ver feels more like a two-way street. Carlos needs Paola’s perspective just as much as she needs his eyes.
Technical aspects and where to watch
The film had a respectable theatrical run in Mexico before hitting streaming platforms. If you are looking for it today, it is primarily available on Vix, the giant of Spanish-language streaming. The production quality is high—crisp audio (vital for a movie about blindness) and a soundtrack that doesn't overwhelm the dialogue.
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The pacing is generally tight, though the second act slows down a bit as the romantic tension builds. Some might find the ending a bit predictable, but in a world where everything feels chaotic, there is a certain comfort in a story that lands exactly where it’s supposed to.
Real-world impact of the film
Since its release, the film has sparked conversations in Mexico about the lack of infrastructure for people with disabilities. While it's a fictional story, the scenes of Paola trying to navigate a world built for the sighted are eye-opening. It highlights the "invisible" barriers that exist in urban planning and social etiquette.
Critics have praised the film for its "honesty." It doesn't try to "fix" Paola. It’s not a miracle story. It’s a story about adaptation. That distinction is why it has maintained a high rating among viewers who are tired of the "disability as a plot device" gimmick.
Final thoughts on the experience
If you’re looking for a movie that makes you feel something without insulting your intelligence, this is it. It’s a solid 90-minute investment. You get a glimpse into a side of Mexican life that isn't often exported—middle-class struggles, the nuances of the healthcare system, and the genuine warmth of "compadrazgo" (godparent-style friendship).
Nada que ver pelicula isn't going to change the history of cinema, but it might change how you look at the person sitting next to you on the bus. Or how you treat someone who is navigating a world they can't see.
How to get the most out of your viewing
To truly appreciate the nuance in this film, try these steps:
- Watch with original audio: If you don't speak Spanish, use subtitles. The "dubs" often lose the specific slang and tone that Memo Villegas uses to define Carlos.
- Pay attention to the sound design: Close your eyes during a few scenes. The director intentionally layered the foley (background sounds) to help the audience experience the world as Paola does.
- Research the director: Check out Kenya Márquez’s other films to see how she transitioned from gritty thrillers to this softer, yet still firm, narrative.
- Look for the cameos: There are several nods to the Guadalajara art scene hidden in the background of certain scenes.
You’ve got plenty of options for your next movie night, but choosing something that offers a bit of perspective along with its punchlines is never a bad move. Stop scrolling through the endless Netflix rows and give this one a shot on Vix. It’s a reminder that even when things seem dark, there’s usually someone willing to help you find the way, even if they’re just doing it for the paycheck at first.