Rico’s summer is a wild mix of chasing girls and hustling homemade cocktails out of a cooler on Orchard Beach, the Bronx. But when Destiny, his teenage girlfriend, crashes at his place with his family, it’s only a matter of time before his rowdy, carefree days come spiraling down.

Using his hometown as a canvas, writer-director Joel Alfonso Vargas immerses us in the beating heart of his lively Dominican American community, collaborating with street-cast actors to bring authenticity and fresh humor to his engrossing debut feature. A blend of improvisation and whip-smart dialogue shape this slice-of-life portrait into an unapologetic look at the bittersweetness of growing up quickly when life takes an unexpected turn. Juan Collado balances portraying Rico’s charm and fumbling swagger with nuance and compassion, complementing Destiny Checo’s wistful gumption, as the young lovers find themselves in over their heads while playing house.

Like the DIY “Nutty” drinks driving Rico’s income, Mad Bills to Pay creatively maximizes its resources and packs a sweet punch for a sensitive yet incisive exploration of diasporic identity and the idiosyncrasies of urban life.—Ana Souza

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 30–February 2) and credentialed press and industry (January 29–February 2).