Nestled in the mountains of Mexico, in the village where Ana and her friends live, houses are abandoned due to attacks from members of drug cartels. There, girls wear boyish haircuts and have hiding places underground. All the men are away to earn money in the city, and the women and children are left to struggle for survival, as impending threats becomes unavoidable. This haunting coming-of-age story explores what it means to grow up as a girl exposed to violence and tainted by brutality. Although the film insists upon an unflinchingly realistic view of life, it does feature some sequences that can only be called ironically beautiful. Despite the fear and unease seeping through, the stunning landscapes, the playful intimacy, and innocent childhood crushes, viewers remain hopeful that the innocence of these children will not be taken away. Adapted from the novel of the same name, Prayers for the Stolen is the debut feature of Tatiana Huezo, who first gained international acclaim with documentaries such as El lugar más pequeño (2011) and Tempestad (2016). (Karen PARK)