The writer-director, Peter Sollett, cast the film with kids from his own neighborhood, who give themselves over to the camera with a spirit of improvised play that morphs into vivid, layered acting.
90
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter Rainer
A comedy in the best sense--it draws its life from the pitch-perfect authenticity of its characters.
His film may be something of a beautiful lie, but what's true about Sollett's characters is that their dreams, their grace and their struggles are as real as it gets.
What makes Raising Victor Vargas so special, beyond its irresistible charisma, is how Sollett and his cast capture the thrill of first love.
80
Washington Post
Washington Post
As fresh -- and as restorative -- as a lemon ice on a hot day.
78
Austin ChronicleKimberley Jones
Austin ChronicleKimberley Jones
Sollett’s first feature is a small, but indelible picture, one that approaches the most universal of themes -– first love, confused hormones, parental clashes -– with originality.
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick Groen
A grownup departure from the teen-romance norm -- it speaks nothing about passion and volumes about trust.
75
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
A gritty but sweet look at young love and family dynamics.