Paola Mendoza, an immigrant from South America, had a tough time growing up in New York City.
Her real-life story provides the basis for “Entre Nos,” which she co-directed and co-wrote with Gloria La Morte. She’s also the film’s star.
Mendoza gives a heart-tugging performance as Mariana, a loving wife and mother of two young children whose husband one day picks up and moves to Florida, with no plans to return.
Then Mariana is thrown out of her apartment, forcing her, her son and her daughter to live on the street. And she discovers she’s pregnant.
Instead of flipping out, the plucky Mariana learns to cope. She sells empanadas on the street and collects cans and bottles for the nickel refund, all the time making sure the kids are OK. Call her Supermom.
Laura Montana and Sebastian Villada are adorable as the youngsters, Andrea (based on Mendoza as a child) and Gabriel, and Mendoza connects as the mom.
Not even the residents of the great state of Arizona would be unmoved by the plight of this immigrant family.