Mejor No Hablar de Ciertas Cosas unfolds the story of the Paz brothers, directed by Javier Andrade, and stars Victor Arauz and Leovanna Orlandini in pivotal roles. The film emerges as an enthralling journey of cultural exploration, dissecting Ecuadorian society, personal rivalry and familial disquietude, and the universal quest for redemption.

The movie narrates the story of Juan Pablo and Paco Paz, two brothers hailing from a middle-class Ecuadorian family dealing with the aftermath of their father's death triggered by a heart attack. Arauz masterfully portrays the character of Paco, the more pragmatic and responsible older brother, while Orlandini plays his ex-girlfriend Lola, who is known for her fiery temperament. The dichotomy in the brothers' personalities is discernible, offering a rich layer of complexity to the narrative.

After many years apart, the brothers are impulsively united by theft. It starts when Juan Pablo commandeers a luxury car to impress a girl; only later does he discover it's loaded with cocaine. Juan Pablo, in his cowardice and desperation, brings in Paco for help. The two brothers undertake a transformative journey, striving to get rid of the unwanted drugs, and fencing off the collateral damage imparted by their late father's obscure past.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of provincial Ecuador, Mejor No Hablar de Ciertas Cosas is incredibly potent and engrossing, diligently drawing viewers into the lives of the Paz brothers. The seedy underworld of Ecuador's drug trade serves as a tense backdrop for this captivating tale of familial bonds and moral dilemmas.

Victor Arauz, as the more practical older brother Paco, embarks on a nerve-wracking adventure pushed by his reckless younger brother's misadventures. Although the brothers shared a tumultuous relationship in the past, the unexpected calamity brings them closer, making them realize the subtleties of their relationship. Leovanna Orlandini, playing Paco's ex-girlfriend Lola, delivers a thoughtful and robust performance. Lola adds more drama and unpredictability to the narrative, with her character being central to the main storyline.

Director Javier Andrade has a lot to say about the societal disparities present in Ecuador, exploring the country's often ignored middle class. The film addresses complex issues like youthful recklessness, substance abuse, family dynamics, societal norms, and the struggle of personal identities. Conversations between the siblings, their interactions with Lola, and their encounters with seedy characters create an enthralling narrative that authentically mirrors real life.

The film's title, Mejor No Hablar de Ciertas Cosas, which translates as "Better Not to Talk About Certain Things", echoes the overarching theme of unspoken familial secrets and the effects of avoiding confronting real problems. The Paz brothers' story is as much about figuring out their father's shady past as it is about navigating the drug-infested underbelly of their country's society.

The visual storytelling of the film is beautifully rendered, captured in warm, luminous tones that add a remarkable depth to the narrative. The cinematography is vibrant and stunning, capturing the beauty of Ecuador's rustic landscapes and picturesque beaches, effectively grounding the story in a tangible, realistic world.

The soundtrack is also worth noting, with its eclectic mix of synths and electro-pop that seamlessly merges with the vivid Ecuadorian landscapes and tense narrative, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Mejor No Hablar de Ciertas Cosas is a compelling and subtly edgy film that effectively conveys its message through engaging performances and a nuanced narrative. It is a film about brotherhood, personal responsibility, societal dynamics, and redemption, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate films with a thoughtful examination of life’s complex issues.