Cortez (film) explained

Cortez is a 2017 American romantic drama film directed by Cheryl Nichols, starring Aaron Shiver, Nichols, Drago Sumonja, Jackson Shiver and Judith Ivey. The film was Nichol's debut feature.^[1]

Cast

• Aaron Shiver as Jesse
• Cheryl Nichols as Anne
• Drago Sumonja as Eric
• Jackson Shiver as Ben
• Judith Ivey as Sandy
• Cassidy Freeman as Rosie
• Dylan Kenin as Raphael
• Jon Kristian Moore as Tim
• John Bishop as Chet
• Rick Dacey as Nick
• Clark Freeman as Roadie Dan
• Jerry Gardner as Charles
• Johnny Long as Dirty Dave
• Jake Waid as Lou

Release

The film premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival on 20 January 2017.^[1]

Reception

Ali Shimkus of SLUG Magazine wrote, "Cinematically, Cortez is a beautiful film and focuses on the wild, unpredictable nature of the Southwest, juxtaposed against Jesse’s similarly uncontrollable personality."^[2]

Teresa Nieman of ScreenAnarchy wrote that Nichols "has an excellent sense of when to let the camera drift or dance, and when to minimize its presence.".^[3]

Michael Abatemarco of The Santa Fe New Mexican wrote that the film "feels honest in its depiction of this soured relationship", and called the performances "authentic".^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: ‘Cortez’ Exclusive Trailer: Slamdance Film Follows Musician Who Seeks Out an Old Flame in New Mexico. Murthi. Vikram. 20 January 2017. IndieWire. 6 October 2023.
2. Web site: SLAMDANCE FILM REVIEW: CORTEZ. Shimkus. Ali. 20 January 2017. SLUG Magazine. 6 October 2023.
3. Web site: Slamdance 2017 Review: CORTEZ, A Quietly Affecting and Beautifully Acted Debut. Nieman. Teresa. 20 January 2017. ScreenAnarchy. 6 October 2023.
4. Web site: Man's search for meaning — in Taos: "Cortez". Abatemarco. Michael. 20 October 2017. The Santa Fe New Mexican. 6 October 2023.