Espina (2025) by Daniel Poler

“Espina (2025)” is a comedy-drama directed and written by Daniel Poler. Inspired by the real-life experiences of its lead actor, Jonathan Benaim,

The film centers on Jonathan, a 29-year-old who feels constrained and infantilized by others due to his physical limitations. Tired of being treated like a child, Jonathan decides to take control of his life and embark on a challenging and emotional trip to Panama. His mission is to confront the doctor whom he holds responsible for his disability. This deeply personal quest becomes a wild and heartfelt road trip as Jonathan is joined by a pair of unlikely companions, leading to unforeseen circumstances and moments of both humor and profound realization. Drawing inspiration from the life of Jonathan Benaim, who portrays himself in the film, “Espina” offers a unique blend of comedy and drama as it explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and confronting past grievances.

A 29-year-old man with physical limitations, tired of being treated like a child, undertakes a journey from Mexico City to Panama with two unlikely companions to confront the doctor he holds responsible for his disability, leading to a wild and heartfelt road trip of self-discovery and unlikely friendships.

Daniel Poler’s vision for “Espina” is rooted in a desire to tell a deeply personal and authentic story inspired by the life of his best friend, Jonathan Benaim. Having previously explored Jonathan’s experiences in the documentary “Tuesco,” Poler brings that understanding and connection to this fictionalized feature debut. His vision is to portray Jonathan’s quest for independence and confrontation with a blend of humor and emotional honesty, avoiding overly sentimental or stereotypical representations of disability. Poler aims to create a narrative that is both wild and heartfelt, highlighting the transformative power of a journey and the unexpected bonds that can form between disparate individuals. The film seeks to give a voice to Jonathan’s perspective and his determination to control his own narrative and confront his past on his own terms.

• Independence and Agency: A central theme is Jonathan’s strong desire to break free from the limitations and perceptions imposed by others and assert his independence and control over his own life and decisions.

• Confronting the Past: Jonathan’s journey is driven by the need to confront the doctor he believes caused his disability, highlighting the theme of addressing past trauma and seeking resolution or understanding.

• Disability and Perception: The film explores the societal perceptions and treatment of individuals with disabilities and Jonathan’s frustration with being seen and treated based solely on his physical limitations rather than his age and personhood.

• Unlikely Friendships: The bond that forms between Jonathan and his two disparate travel companions is a key theme, showcasing how shared experiences and vulnerability can lead to meaningful connections.

• Self-Discovery and Growth: The journey itself serves as a catalyst for Jonathan’s personal growth and self-discovery as he navigates challenges and confronts his past.

• Medical Accountability and Impact: The film implicitly touches upon the impact of medical actions on a person’s life and the desire for accountability or a reckoning with the past.

• The Immigrant Experience: Jonathan being a Venezuelan émigré adds a layer to his identity and experiences, subtly touching upon the challenges and resilience of immigrants.

• Authentic and Personal Story: The film’s inspiration from the real-life experiences of its lead actor provides a unique and potentially powerful foundation.

• Jonathan Benaim’s Performance: As the film is based on his life and he plays himself, Jonathan Benaim’s portrayal is likely a key element in the film’s authenticity and emotional impact.

• Blend of Comedy and Drama: The film’s genre mix offers the potential for both entertaining and emotionally resonant moments, appealing to a wider audience.

• Relatable Themes of Independence and Confrontation: While specific to Jonathan’s situation, the desire for independence and confronting past grievances are universal themes.

• Positive Festival Reception: Winning the Audience Feature Film Award at the Miami Film Festival indicates that the film resonated well with early viewers.

• Intriguing Premise: The concept of a road trip to confront a doctor who caused a disability is a compelling and unique narrative hook.

“Espina” is a comedy-drama by Daniel Poler, inspired by the life of its lead actor, Jonathan Benaim, about a 29-year-old man with physical limitations who takes a trip to Panama with unlikely friends to confront the doctor he blames for his disability.

As of May 2025, “Espina (2025)” has received one notable award:

Given its recent premieres at various film festivals, the film may be eligible for further awards and nominations throughout 2025 and beyond.

Critical reception for “Espina (2025)” is currently limited, as the film has primarily been screened at film festivals. The most significant indicator of its reception so far is its win of the Audience Feature Film Award at the Miami Film Festival in April 2025. This award is voted on by festival attendees, suggesting that the film was well-received and resonated positively with the audience at its premiere. Widespread professional critical reviews from major publications are not yet available.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: While professional critical consensus has not yet been established, the Audience Award win at a notable film festival like Miami suggests that “Espina” was well-received by early viewers and is likely to connect with audiences through its story and themes.

(Based on the Audience Award win and film descriptions, as detailed critical reviews are not widely available):

• Audience Reception: The win of the Audience Feature Film Award at the Miami Film Festival indicates a strong positive response from festival attendees, suggesting that viewers found the film engaging, moving, and likely impactful.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews are currently limited to audience reactions from film festivals. The strong positive reception from these early screenings suggests that the film is likely to be well-regarded by viewers who have the opportunity to see it.

“Espina (2025)” is a production involving the company Slay5. Daniel Poler served as the director, writer, and also a producer on the film. Other producers listed include Gloria Ortega, Jorge Abarca, Paulina Mondragón, Arti Tan, and Mariel Garcia Spooner. The film was shot on location in Panama City and is a co-production between the United States and Panama. Its origin in a documentary about Jonathan Benaim’s life suggests a production process that likely involved close collaboration with Benaim.

A specific release date for “Espina (2025)” on streaming platforms has not been announced. Streaming availability would typically follow a theatrical or festival run once distribution rights are acquired.

“Espina (2025)” premiered at the Miami Film Festival in April 2025. It has also been screened at other film festivals, including LALIFF and IFF Panamá in April/May 2025. While IMDb lists an April 5, 2025 release date in the United States, this likely refers to a festival screening rather than a wide theatrical debut. Information on a broader theatrical release is not yet available.

• A Moving and Inspiring True Story: The film’s basis in the real-life experiences of its lead actor offers a potentially powerful and inspiring narrative.

• Authentic Portrayal of Disability: With Jonathan Benaim playing himself, the film is likely to provide an authentic and nuanced perspective on living with a physical disability.

• Heartfelt Blend of Genres: The combination of comedy and drama suggests a film that can evoke both laughter and tears, offering a rich emotional experience.

• Themes of Empowerment and Resilience: Jonathan’s journey to assert his independence and confront his past is a compelling narrative of empowerment and resilience.

• Award-Winning at a Film Festival: The Audience Award win at the Miami Film Festival indicates that the film resonated strongly with early viewers.

• Experience a Truly Personal Story: Watch a film where the lead actor’s life directly inspired the narrative, offering a unique level of authenticity.

• Gain a Deeper Understanding of Disability: The film provides an opportunity to see a story centered on a character with a disability, offering potentially valuable insights.

• Enjoy a Film with Both Humor and Heart: If you appreciate movies that can make you laugh and also move you emotionally.

• Support Independent and Diverse Cinema: Watch a film from an independent filmmaker telling a story with a Latin American perspective and featuring a diverse cast.

• See a Film That Audiences Loved: The Miami Film Festival Audience Award indicates that the film was a crowd-pleaser at its premiere.

• Films Featuring Characters with Disabilities (Increased Representation): The film contributes to the growing trend in cinema of featuring characters with disabilities in central, complex roles, moving towards more authentic and nuanced representation.

• Dramas Inspired by Real Life: The film follows the trend of narratives drawn from or inspired by real-life events and individuals, blurring the lines between documentary and fiction to tell compelling human stories.

• Independent Character-Driven Narratives: As an independent production focused on the personal journey of its protagonist, it aligns with the trend of character-driven dramas produced outside of major studio systems.

• Disability Rights and Representation: The film directly addresses the social trend of advocating for better representation and understanding of people with disabilities, highlighting issues of autonomy, societal perceptions, and the right to control one’s own life story.

• Confronting Medical Error and Patient Advocacy: Jonathan’s quest to confront the doctor who allegedly caused his disability touches upon the social conversation around medical accountability, patient rights, and the long-term impact of medical decisions.

• Immigrant Stories and Experiences: The film implicitly engages with the social trend of exploring the diverse experiences and challenges faced by immigrants and émigrés.

“Espina (2025)” is a powerful and deeply personal comedy-drama that resonates with authenticity and heart. Drawing inspiration from the life of its lead actor, Jonathan Benaim, the film offers a compelling narrative of one man’s quest for independence and confrontation. Daniel Poler’s direction appears to navigate the blend of humor and emotion effectively, creating a film that is both moving and engaging. The Audience Award win at the Miami Film Festival is a strong indicator of its ability to connect with viewers. “Espina” is a significant film for its authentic representation of disability and its heartfelt exploration of universal themes of empowerment, friendship, and confronting the past.

• Find Inspiration in Authentic Stories: “Espina”‘s strength lies in its real-life inspiration. Filmmakers should explore drawing narratives from personal experiences and the lives of individuals around them, collaborating closely with those individuals for authenticity.

• Cast Authentically: Featuring Jonathan Benaim, whose life inspired the film, in the lead role adds immense depth. Filmmakers should prioritize authentic casting, particularly when telling stories about marginalized communities or specific lived experiences.

• Balance Difficult Themes with Humanity and Humor: The film tackles serious issues like disability and confronting past trauma but includes comedic elements. Filmmakers should learn how to blend challenging themes with moments of humor and humanity to create a more nuanced and accessible viewing experience.

• Utilize Film Festivals for Exposure: “Espina”‘s successful festival run demonstrates the value of film festivals as platforms for independent films to gain exposure, critical attention, and potentially secure distribution.

• Explore Different Genres for Personal Stories: Personal stories don’t have to be confined to one genre. Blending comedy and drama, as seen in “Espina,” can offer a richer and more dynamic portrayal of real-life experiences.

• Support Films with Authentic Representation: The industry should actively seek out and support films that feature authentic representation of underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities, in central and complex roles.

• Invest in Character-Driven Independent Films: Recognize the value and potential audience for independent films that prioritize compelling characters and personal journeys over large budgets or spectacle.

• Pay Attention to Film Festival Award Winners: Audience and jury awards at reputable film festivals can be strong indicators of a film’s quality and its ability to connect with viewers, signaling potential for wider distribution.

• Create Pathways for Distribution of Diverse Stories: Ensure that there are clear and accessible pathways for independent films with diverse themes and characters to reach wider audiences through theatrical and streaming distribution.

• Promote Films Based on Their Emotional Impact and Authenticity: Market films like “Espina” by highlighting their heartfelt nature, their basis in real-life, and the authentic voices behind them.

“Espina (2025)” is a moving and genuinely heartfelt film that stands out for its authentic voice and its inspiring narrative of a man’s journey towards independence and self-acceptance. Daniel Poler’s sensitive direction, coupled with Jonathan Benaim’s powerful presence, creates a compelling blend of humor and drama. The film’s success on the festival circuit underscores its ability to resonate with audiences and highlights the importance of supporting stories that offer diverse perspectives and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. “Espina” is a significant contribution to cinema, advocating for greater understanding and authentic representation of individuals with disabilities while delivering a universally relatable story about finding one’s voice and confronting the past.