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In the movie A Day Without a Mexican (2004), a strange phenomenon occurs where a thick fog envelops California, cutting off communication with the outside world and causing all Mexicans in the state to disappear overnight. This disappearance affects all aspects of society, from workers and business owners to spouses and domestic helpers. Abandoned cars clutter the streets, food is left cooking on stoves, and the state's economy comes to a grinding halt.
The film introduces various characters, each affected by the sudden disappearance of the Mexican population. We meet the wife of a musician who has vanished, a state Senator who is left without her maid, and a farm owner with ripe, unpicked produce. Meanwhile, a scientist seizes the opportunity to recruit the remaining Mexicans for genetic experiments, targeting a female newscaster and the daughter of the missing musician as potential subjects.
As Californians struggle to comprehend what has happened and seek answers, even the border guards themselves are left grieving. The state faces an unprecedented crisis as essential services collapse and the social fabric frays. The movie raises thought-provoking questions about the state's dependence on Mexican workers and the consequences of their sudden absence.
A Day Without a Mexican offers a unique perspective on immigration, showcasing the vital role played by the Mexican community in California's society and economy. It delves into the consequences and challenges that arise when an integral part of a population disappears, leaving everyone to confront their own biases and assumptions.
