The Fishbowl (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

A cancer diagnosis encourages Noelia (Isel Rodriguez) to think of others, and do all that she can in her remaining time on earth to help those around her. The Fishbowl tells a story of tragedy that inspires good. 

The Fishbowl starts off quickly, yet subtly. A dreamlike sequence welcomes us into the film, and then a sudden transition to Noelia in the bathtub, fully nude, expresses to us the poignant nature of her day-to-day life. Emotion takes over here, a flood of it. Is this moment meant to be cathartic for Noelia, or is it out of necessity? A blend of jubilation, sympathy, and more play into this second scene. While not much happens in the first minute or two, viewers get a clear account of the simple and somber experience of a struggling woman. 

Grays and yellows often flood the screen, enhancing a feeling of discomfort that extends throughout the entirety of the film. The Fishbowl is a slice-of-life film that intends to confront the inevitability of death–but beyond that, the reality that it affects everyone around us. What we choose to do with our lives is our own business, and some choose to share what they have with the rest of the world. In the case of Noelia, she chooses to make the world around her a better place. This sentiment is one sure to resonate with anyone–and an emotional connection is quickly formed between The Fishbowl and its audience as a result. 

A visceral and poignant representation of life, The Fishbowl provides a dark, harrowing presentation that remains somber and trying throughout. While there are glimmers of hope strewn throughout the film in Noelia’s decisions to help others, the heaviness present in her story remains most prominent from start to finish. Viewers feel a connection beyond emotion–as there is something almost tangible about the way in which Writer-Director Glorimar Marrero approaches the production of this film. The Fishbowl is meant to be a testament to the good of mankind, and the decisions made in regard to the film’s aesthetic are effectively a totem of this sentiment. 

Beyond this is something cerebral. It’s not an overly sophisticated film, but it’s one steeped in reality, one that is effective in expressing the truth surrounding Noelia’s diagnosis. That reality begs a series of questions, encouraging viewers to think “what if?.” The grounded nature of The Fishbowl constantly reminds viewers of the real world, repeatedly reeling them further into the narratives present in the film–allowing them to develop stronger connections as the film progresses. 

The Fishbowl is a strong presentation of life, love, and extreme suffering that will likely resonate with most viewers. Noelia’s storyline is compelling, steeped in emotion that hits the right notes and develops strong connections with the audience. While the secondary storyline of social justice and the like may put a damper on the stronger, more prominent narrative of individual suffering, the former is effectively overshadowed by the latter. Effective technical decisions (i.e. the use of color) present in every piece of The Fishbowl enhances viewers’ experience and the film as a whole. The Fishbowl is the story of a very specific incident that transcends all. 

Written & Directed by Glorimar Marrero. 

Starring Isel Rodríguez, Magali Carrasquillo, Maximiliano Rivas, Modesto Lacén, Anamín Santiago, etc.

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING