After shattering box office records in Latin America, LA BALADA DE HORTENSIA made history in El Salvador as the highest-grossing local film ever released. Now, the critically acclaimed dark comedy is set to captivate U.S. audiences when it opens in theaters nationwide on May 2.
Directed by acclaimed Salvadoran filmmaker Arturo Menéndez, this dark comedy delivers a thought-provoking, laugh-out-loud experience that blends satire, social commentary, and a heartfelt journey of self-discovery.
The film stars Julio Yúdice, the Salvadoran comedian behind the beloved character La Tenchis, alongside Francisco Gattorno, Helena Haro, and Lourdes Chávez.
LA BALADA DE HORTENSIA tells the story of Alex, a self-absorbed comedian who wakes up trapped in the body of a woman – Hortensia – after a reckless accident. As he navigates his new reality, Alex must confront gender dynamics, societal norms, and his own shortcomings, leading to a hilarious and eye-opening transformation.
Rooted in Salvadoran culture but universally relatable, LA BALADA DE HORTENSIA explores gender identity, redemption, and the power of empathy, all wrapped in sharp humor and an engaging narrative. With a visual style reminiscent of Succession and a gripping screenplay by Javier Reyna, the film stands out as a bold and refreshing entry into Latin American cinema.
Produced by Elias Axume, the film features a dynamic creative team, including cinematographer Fran Moreno, composer María Magaña, and editor Federico Krill Granados.
More about the film
ALEX, a renowned and successful Latino comedian known for his portrayal of the comic character La Tenchis, has become a self-absorbed narcissist, neglecting his family and indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle of partying and infidelity. After a reckless night, Alex steals a car and gets into a catastrophic accident while intoxicated. Inexplicably, he wakes up in the body of a woman named HORTENSIA, who is trapped in an abusive marriage with the chauvinistic DAGOBERTO. Despite being stuck in Hortensia’s body, Alex desperately tries to reclaim his old identity while his real body remains in a coma at the hospital.
As Alex navigates life in Hortensia’s body, he learns powerful lessons about the experiences of women and uncovers a sinister plot by TV executives to eliminate him. With the help of his talent agent, MAURICIO, Hortensia forms an alliance to regain her true self. She intervenes just in time to stop a hitman from killing Alex, ultimately foiling the executives’ plan.
Overcome with guilt, Hortensia makes the heartbreaking decision to disconnect the life support of her comatose male body. Miraculously, she awakens as Alex once again, now filled with gratitude and a newfound awareness.
Upon returning home, Alex surprises his family with a heartfelt apology for his past actions. His family forgives him, and together they embark on a journey of healing and redemption, marking a fresh start for all.