69
Metascore
19 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91Entertainment WeeklyLeah GreenblattEntertainment WeeklyLeah GreenblattHavana’s crumbling trapped-in-time beauty also plays a starring role, but it’s Medina who provides the movie’s raw, tender heart.
- 90Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternWall Street JournalJoe MorgensternA startlingly beautiful movie.
- 80The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenIt infuses a too-familiar story with so much heart that you surrender to its charm and forgive it for being unabashedly formulaic.
- 75The Film StageJordan RaupThe Film StageJordan RaupWith a docudrama approach capturing moments of reflective tranquility next to the beach or on a rooftop, Viva feels deeply rooted in its location.
- 75Slant MagazineDiego SemereneSlant MagazineDiego SemereneThe drag in the film rejects the U.S.-centric obsession with "realness" and the acrobatics that come with it.
- 75Miami HeraldRene RodriguezMiami HeraldRene RodriguezViva is "Rocky" in drag and sequins, transplanted to Havana. The movie is pure formula, but it’s surprisingly effective anyway, because director Paddy Breathnach and screenwriter Mark O’Halloran don’t sugarcoat the reality of life on the island.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberThe Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberDespite the predictable touches in the script by Mark O’Halloran, director Paddy Breathnach reveals a sensitive touch with the material.
- 67The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloPerugorría is such a terrific, soulful actor that he makes Viva’s predictable dramatic trajectory — disapproving dad slowly grows to accept his child’s differences, while the kid gradually learns to forgive his father’s lifelong absence — seem a bit less moldy.
- 60Village VoiceMonica CastilloVillage VoiceMonica CastilloDespite its gorgeous views and a pair of strong turns from veteran Cuban actors Perugorría and García, the film doesn't connect to the heart of its central character.
- 58The PlaylistRodrigo PerezThe PlaylistRodrigo PerezA moving movie that tries too hard to please and thus never truly satisfies.