On The Seventh Day

On The Seventh Day is a 2017 independent drama film that captures the experience of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Directed and written by the award-winning filmmaker Jim McKay, the film features impressive performances from Fernando Cardona, Gilberto Jimenez, and Abel Perez. Known for its authentic narrative, genuine representation of immigrant life, and the struggle for the American dream, this film is a compelling depiction of humanity, resilience, and hope against adversity.

As the story unfolds, the audience is introduced to the protagonist named José, brilliantly portrayed by Fernando Cardona. José works six days a week as a food delivery guy and is the de facto captain of his local soccer team which comprises of his fellow undocumented immigrants. Following an authentic docudrama style, the audience is taken through the streets of Brooklyn from José's perspective as he meets a diverse variety of customers, highlighting the challenges he faces in ensuring the sanctity of his employment while striving for some semblance of a fulfilling life.

In addition to his primary occupation, José helps his local soccer team, made up of fellow immigrants with diverse backgrounds. Throwing a stimulating twist to the plot, the film introduces the audience to the pivotal point of the story – the team makes it to the finals of a neighborhood soccer league which is scheduled on the same day José’s boss requests him to work. What unfolds thereafter is a heart-tugging narrative of struggle, pursuit, and aspiration that embodies the immigrant experience.

The character of José shines through as a humble and likable hero who cherishes the minor joys of his unassuming life while grappling with the harsh realities of his survival in a foreign land. His navigation through various everyday dilemmas offers a realistic portrayal of the paradoxes that undocumented immigrants often find themselves confronted with.

The film attains lyrical heights with Gilberto Jimenez and Abel Perez's supporting roles. Their portrayals inject the movie with shades of humor, warmth, and camaraderie that provides the audience with a sense of the tight-knit immigrant community's life in the city. The dynamics of their relationship with José adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, thus further solidifying the captivating plot.

On The Seventh Day is more than just a sports film or a social-issue drama. It’s a heartrending account of modern American life and the harrowing reality of the undocumented individuals who toil in its shadows. With care and nuance, McKay delves into the lives of his characters, using soccer not only as a metaphor for freedom but also as a potent expression of their communal bonding, aspirations, and the small joys that give meaning to their otherwise grueling existence.

The vivid cinematography and the immersive background score complement the director's vision, immersing the audience in the settings' reality, capturing the essence of the immigrant neighborhood, the food delivery world, and the makeshift soccer fields that become an escape to the characters from their exhausting routines.

Incorporating elements of suspense, drama, and realism, the film's story places the viewer into the heart of social and personal challenges, while humanizing the immigrant experience. With its simplicity and realism, the story compels the audience to look beyond the commonplace immigrant stereotypes, engrossing them into the depth of the characters' human spirit and determination.

On The Seventh Day is a quietly powerful film that showcases the struggles of an undocumented immigrant, his intense devotion to soccer, and the heart-rending decisions he must make concerning his livelihood and passion. Ultimately, it's a film about the human struggle for dignity, a sense of belonging, and the pursuit of dreams, providing a much-needed understanding about the living conditions and experiences of the undocumented immigrant community.

Equally celebratory and critical, the film immensely contributes to the world of cinema due to its honest storytelling, diverse representation, and its layered exploration of the immigrants' day-to-day life. An underdog sports tale and a significant social drama rolled into one, 'On The Seventh Day' stands as a testament to the power of cinema in reflecting societal issues and fostering empathy. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled, fostering a greater appreciation for those who continue to endure and hope against the odds.