40+

Luz Ravez, a successful, yet broken translation consultant for the Los Angeles court system, has been away from her homeland of Oaxaca, Mexico, for nearly two decades. As the story begins, we find Luz, though divorced, has come to realize that her 40s have dawned and she is still single and childless, while many around her seem to be more established in their personal and family lives. Her experience as a court translator serving predominantly English-speaking Los Angeles courts has taught her how to blend in, a skill that, however, does not translate as easily in her own culture where societal pressures and consequences weigh heavily on women. She decides to leave her mundane life and embark on a journey back to the place of her birth in Oaxaca, Mexico. Upon arrival, Luz finds herself overwhelmed by the familiar sights and sounds of her childhood, a seeming breath of fresh air that simultaneously fills her with anxiety as she battles her insecurities in the conservative Mexican town. As a divorcee and a woman still in her 40s who struggles with her personal life, Luz feels she is under an unforgiving spotlight; each familiar face seems to be whispering the same questions in her ear: 'How can she be childless?' 'Why is she divorced?' and 'What happened to her youthful fire?' The weight of expectation causes Luz a great deal of inner turmoil. She is desperate for a fresh perspective and to define her true identity. While navigating her re-adjustment to Oaxacan life, Luz finds a job as a translator for her mother's local medical clinic. Her services are soon noticed by the members of the tight-knit community, particularly the elderly healer and revered curandera, Tita. Known for her kindness, empathy, and ancient wisdom, Tita becomes a mentor to Luz and an extraordinary figure in her life. Not only does Tita provide Luz crucial life and relationship advice, but she also shares several rich Oaxacan folktales. These traditional stories aim to remind women of their unfulfilled potential and passion. One such folktale speaks of the transformative power of female widows who, rather than succumbing to societal norms, chose to assert their freedom and forge new life paths. Inspired by these empowering stories, Luz starts to explore her true passions and eventually starts dating. Among the candidates is Guillermo, a social studies teacher, recently relocated from Mexico City, who wins her heart with his integrity, kindness, and genuine interest in her experiences. Yet, their fledgling romance is strained when they are met with opposition from their respective communities. To make matters worse, Luz finds it difficult to believe that she deserves to be loved, that she is valuable, and that she can transcend societal limitations. As the tension builds inside her, Luz decides to embark on a journey to explore her newfound independence and confidence. Tita plays an instrumental role in motivating Luz to embark on this introspective journey and realize that it is her path she should be charting, rather than conforming to the narrow expectations of others. Through Luz's interactions with Guillermo, her newfound relationships with the town folks, and Tita's guidance, the protagonist gets to confront and challenge the stifling norms surrounding women's lives in Oaxaca. Luz moves forward after breaking free from the oppressive perspectives from her surroundings and what she holds within herself. Confronting her inner demons brings the character face-to-face with what she's searched for - true purpose, integrity, and a deeper understanding of herself and the people living within her Oaxacan town. "40+" can be seen as a reflection of Luz's resilience and fortitude when faced with her internal struggle, and it explores the unchartered depths of feminine identity within Oaxacan culture.