Julio Torres Writes, Directs and Stars in the Inventive and Wildly Ambitious First Trailer for the Semi-Autobiographical A24 Film, 'Problemista'

by Darian Scalamoni

    I remember watching Julio Torres' HBO stand up special, My Favorite Shapes years ago and being fascinated with his unique take on comedy and fascination with objects. Torres has quickly become one of the most interesting voices in comedy as a writer of Saturday Night Live and co-creator of HBO series, Los Espookys. Now, Torres will write, direct and star in his first feature film for A24, which got its first trailer today.

    Problemista debuted to great reviews at SXSW Film Festival earlier this year and stars Torres as an aspiring toy maker/designer from El Salvador who is struggling to catch fire with an idea whilst working in the big apple. As his time is closing with his work visa, he gets work as a freelancer with an unpredictable artist-outcast (Tilda Swinton) who is his only hope to sign off and keep him in the United States.

    The trailer is inventive, producing poppy visuals and hilarity throughout for what could be a breakout film for A24 this season in this modern take on the American dream. Problemista releases in theaters on August 4 and stars Torres, Swinton, RZA, Catalina Saavedra, Larry Owens, Greta Lee and Isabella Rossellini, while being produced by Emma Stone. Check out the trailer for the film below!