Penitentia

Alejandro 'Ale' Villacaño is a young associate lawyer who has landed a job at a prestigious law firm. Even though he was top of his class, he is also a former convict and an acquitted felon, which makes him an unlikely pick for this firm. Intent on forgetting his past and forging a new identity, he dedicates himself to being the top associate at the firm. He is reluctant to take on a pro bono case to help an old friend, but ultimately does so at the prodding of his mentor. For Ale, it's filing a few grievances against the local prison and then back to his new life. But for his client, it’s a matter of life and death. No matter how much Ale tries to resist, the pull to do the right thing, to fight the good fight is too strong. Ensnared now in a case rife with corruption, corporate negligence, and abuse of power, Ale must decide what kind of lawyer he is really meant to be.

Directed by Chris Lawing, Penitentia leans on a strong ensemble — Glenn Stanton, Kate Flanagan, Michael W. Schwartz — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.