The Garden Left Behind (2019) Review in 2025
The Garden Left Behind is an emotional drama that follows Tina, a Mexican trans woman, as she navigates the struggles of her identity, love, and activism in New York City.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not really. The movie deals with mature themes, including transphobia, violence, and discrimination, which may not be suitable for a family audience.
CineReview Recommendation
Worth streaming if you’re interested in LGBTQ+ issues, but not a must-see.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
Tina faces the harsh realities of being a trans woman of color, culminating in a tragic end when she is violently attacked. Her story sheds light on the issues and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is powerful but predictable, highlighting trans issues realistically.
acting7.00/10
Carlie Guevara delivers a raw performance, while others are just average.
characters6.00/10
Tina's character is compelling, but the supporting cast feels underdeveloped.
direction6.00/10
Flavio Alves brings a genuine touch, but the pacing and intensity could have been better managed.
cinematography7.00/10
The visuals are intimate, reflecting Tina's world, but nothing groundbreaking.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Tina's character is authentic, and the movie handles trans issues respectfully.
Cons
Pacing is slow, and some scenes feel too forced. The supporting cast needed more development.
Notable Quotes
"‘I just want to be seen for who I am.’"
"‘It’s not easy when the world feels against you.’"
