Director Francisco Ordoñez taps into the film noir genre to tell a modern-day story of hardship in The Low End Theory. Set in the Latinx and LGBTQ+ community of Los Angeles, The Low End Theory is a provocative look at the reality of desperation and the fight for survival. Co-writer and lead actor Sofia Yepes inspired the film’s narrative after she shared a personal story with Ordoñez. He immediately connected with her experience and knew it had to be a film. Keeping in mind that this film has, to some degree, a true life aspect adds a layer of urgency to The Low End Theory that feels authentic. 

In the Name of Love

Since returning from the armed forces and serving in Afghanistan, Raquel (Sofia Yepes) has had difficulty readjusting to society. She still carries the trauma of her experience, causing the flight or fight response in her nervous system to be overactive. Raquel works with drug dealers for some quick cash to make ends meet. However, she ultimately wants to create a sense of normalcy, and therefore, decides to focus on the next chapter of her career. She enters the music industry and finds her passion as a music producer in the low-budget hip-hop world. Her partner, Giselle (Ser Anzoategui), is loving and supportive of Raquel’s quest for stability.

This music industry path is also where Raquel meets Veronica (Sidney Flanigan, Never Rarely Sometimes Always), an aspiring musician. The two women have an instant connection and sparks fly to the point where Raquel cannot ignore the sexual tension. Raquel and Veronica embark on an obsessive affair, kept secret from everyone in their circle. Veronica is a troubled woman, and Raquel sees herself reflected in Veronica’s struggles. There comes a point when Veronica confesses a secret that could threaten to destroy their love affair. She admits that she owes tens of thousands of dollars to some shady people and fears for her life since she can’t pay it back.

Raquel is devastated but comes up with a potential solution. She proposes stealing the money from her drug dealer boss to pay off Veronica’s debts. As a plan gets set in motion, Raquel discovers more secrets that Veronica has been hiding, threatening to jeopardize both of their lives.

Leaning into the 90s aesthetic

An indie neo-noir thriller set in LA, The Low End Theory has the swagger of a 90s-era music video. At times the color composition is too dark and hard to make out. However, the film truly shines when we enter into the vibrant color palette. Artistic jump cuts add to the nostalgic aesthetic, as does the instrumental hip-hop score. The lead performances by Sofia Yepes and Sidney Flanigan are complementary of each other, with just enough edge to be truly believable. The ensemble cast pulls their weight as well, making for emotional and strong performances.

Takeaway

As an Angelino myself, it is always a trip to see the familiar L.A. landscape on screen. While this subject matter isn’t the most uplifting of stories, the takeaway is a positive one. Raquel is reminded throughout the film that life has “no replays” and “no rewinds”. She embraces this sentiment, as do audiences. No matter one’s past, life is about moving forward. Our time is limited, and it’s our responsibility to make the most of it.