The In-Between follows filmmaker Robie Flores as she returns to her hometown of Eagle Pass, Texas, following the death of her brother Marcelo. The film consists of clips that Robie records in the present, interwoven with flashback footage recorded by her siblings. She and her siblings share a real passion for film, which is why there is such an abundance of clips showcasing her shared love of the craft with Marcelo. The documentary serves as a tribute to Marcelo’s memory, with Robie often reflecting just how much of an effect he had on both her family and her community.

Eagle Pass is brilliantly captured by the Flores family. You feel as if they explored every nook and cranny of the town. Restaurants, schools, homes, parties, sports–nothing is left out, allowing Eagle Pass to be just as fleshed out as Robie. You can see the American influences on the border town too, where Robie’s brother shows to prefer speaking English and how some of the athletes are preferring American football to soccer. While Robie initially hesitates to embrace these changes, her journey of exploring the memories of her brother causes her to see things differently.

One powerful example comes during one of the film’s quieter moments, when Robie reads Marcelo’s old journal. She hadn’t really touched it since she died, so flipping through it is a new experience for the audience just as much as it is for her. Her brutal honest voiceover throughout this scene and the entire film is the real strength of the film. She isn’t afraid to showcase her vulnerabilities and grief, making her all the more compelling to follow throughout. It’s hard not to connect with Marcelo too, not because of his limited presence, but because of the words in her journal Robie chose to capture: “Appreciate everything. Welcome the Good. Welcome the Bad”. There couldn’t be a more relevant motto today.

The final shot also leaves a lasting impression–an almost three-minute panning shot of her entire community gathered together at a festival shows that life is continuing even in the wake of Marcelo’s death. The important thing to take away here is that Eagle Pass moves forward, just as Robbie’s memories from her childhood seem to persist in the present. The cultural ties remain strong, and even though American influence can be a potential threat, it doesn’t mean that her home is lost. It only means that like everything else, life is constantly evolving.