“Cry Macho” (2021) is a neo-Western drama directed by and starring Clint Eastwood as Mike Milo, a former rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder. Set in 1979, the film follows Mike, who is hired by his ex-boss, Howard Polk (Dwight Yoakam), to travel to Mexico and bring back Howard’s teenage son, Rafo (Eduardo Minett), away from his alcoholic mother.
Upon locating Rafo in Mexico City, Mike discovers the boy participating in illegal cockfights with his prized rooster, Macho. Convincing Rafo to return to Texas, the two embark on a journey through rural Mexico. Along the way, they face various challenges, including evading Rafo’s mother’s henchmen and dealing with corrupt law enforcement.
During their travels, Mike and Rafo develop a bond, with Mike imparting life lessons about responsibility, masculinity, and redemption. They find temporary refuge in a small town, where Mike forms a connection with a local widow, Marta. This period allows both Mike and Rafo to reflect on their pasts and consider their futures.
As they near the U.S. border, tensions rise when Rafo learns unsettling truths about his parents. Ultimately, Mike encourages Rafo to choose his own path, leading to a resolution that emphasizes personal growth and the importance of defining one’s own identity.