The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo

The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo, released in 2020, tells the gripping true story of a mother's relentless pursuit of justice after her daughter's murder goes unpunished. Displaying the lengths to which a mother will go to seek redress, this documentary explores alarming failures of the justice system and stark societal issues.

Juan Manuel Fraire Escobedo, Alejandro Fraire, and Blanca Escobedo star in this powerful documentary. Director Carlos Perez Osorio masterfully weaves together a narrative that exclusively focuses on the resolute determination of Marisela Escobedo to find justice for her daughter, despite the extreme adversities she faces.

In 2008, Marisela's life is irrevocably changed when her 16-year-old daughter, Rubi Frayre Escobedo disappears. Marisela embarks on her quest to discover the fate of her daughter, a journey that takes her into the underbelly of Mexican society, challenged by drug cartels, corrupt officials, and an ineffective justice system. When it becomes clear that law enforcement is not going to dig deep enough into Rubi's disappearance, Marisela takes matters into her own hands.

Her efforts lead her towards a devastating revelation - her daughter was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, Sergio Barraza. In the pursuit of justice, Marisela presents a solid case to the courts, only for them to acquit Barraza. This disappointing verdict sparks Marisela into a more determined action, transforming her from an ordinary woman into a well-known activist.

The documentary is a portrayal of Marisela's relentless fight for justice that takes to the streets and eventually to the steps of Chihuahua's Government Palace. Marisela believes deeply in obtaining justice for her daughter and stands against the gross negligence depicted by the system. Her struggle exposes the glaring faults in the Mexican justice system, revealing a tragic story of loss, resilience, and the fight for justice against the odds.

As the title of the film suggests, Marisela Escobedo's complex journey is broken down into three significant chapters, metaphorically referred to as Marisela's three deaths. From the heartbreak of losing her child to the pain of encountering corruption in the justice system, and ultimately, the cost she pays in her relentless fight for justice, each of these instances metaphorically dies, only to rise again in determination and courage.

Osorio’s documentary excels in presenting the raw pain and indomitable spirit of Marisela through news footage, personal interviews, and even home videos. The shockingly real-world incidents bring out the sheer courage shown by Marisela and emphasizes the rampant corruption facing the Mexican justice system.

The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo goes beyond being a mere document of a mother seeking justice for her daughter: it reveals an excruciatingly brutal side of Mexican society. Through the lens of this personal tragedy and courageous fightback, the documentary paints a grim picture of the harsh realities faced by many women and girls in a country like Mexico, where cases of femicide are notoriously prevalent and often pass unpunished.

Highlighting the lack of regard for women's safety and subsequent denial of their rights to justice, Marisela's journey through the complex maze of bureaucracy and corruption is a testament to the broader struggle faced by countless other women. Alejandro Fraire and Blanca Escobedo lend immense depth to the narrative with their emotional performances.

In conclusion, The Three Deaths of Marisela Escobedo is a raw, gut-wrenching, and deeply poignant documentary. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice issues, human rights, or those who believe in the indomitable spirit of a mother's love. Rather than romanticising the situation, the documentary serves as a stark reminder of the lengths one mother went to seeking justice for her daughter and serves to expose and critique the systemic failures that have allowed such heartbreaking stories to exist. It is not just a tribute to Marisela's courage and power but also a sounding call for systemic reform and justice.