The Boatman

Miguel is the ideal coyote: committed, focused, and with an impeccable track record. His life is intertwined with the journey of migrants, navigating through back alley gravel, deteriorating pavement, and ultimately, the river. Despite his flawless history, Miguel is well-acquainted with death. His nickname, “El Maldito,” foreshadows what we will soon witness, as Miguel appears to be shadowed by the deceased and dying. He encounters them on desert roads, listens to their confessions, and fulfills their final wishes. Miguel’s home, much like himself, stands in solitude; faded photographs echo a life devoted to a singular mission—helping his people find a new beginning. However, signs suggest that this quiet struggle is nearing a breaking point. When a devastating accident draws Miguel to the roadside, the order of his life is disrupted, as Elena, the sole survivor of the crash, recognizes him.