Backyard

This Mexican police drama takes place in Juarez, just across the American border. A policewoman investigates who has been killing women and leaving their bodies in the desert. Many of the victims are low paid workers in American factories in Mexico. The detective also has to struggle against sexual discrimination on the job, the police's old boy network, as well as Mexico's high police and government corruption. From the victim's side of the story, the film also focuses on one such naive woman who makes some bad choices and leads her to trouble. There is also a talk radio deejay who comments on the killings and police corruption.


Although the film starts out as a credible police drama, it veers a little into serial killer territory nearer the end. The film ends with many depressing statistics of missing woman in many countries, numbers continue to rise. This is based somewhat on true events. I liked the lead actress' portrayal and the film trying to show us events and culture of Mexico that the government and police seem to be doing little about, and that we Americans don't know about or ignore.

Jimmy Smits is billed as a star although he has a small role. Most of the film is carried by the lead, Ana de le Reguera.