Set against a retrofuturist remake of Cali, Colombia, the film unfolds in a dive bar that doubles as a state of in-between—a place where life’s final chapters are danced out amidst neon glows and daring wagers with fate. Drawing its inspiration from Dante’s Inferno, the narrative reimagines the age-old struggle between existence and departure with a cheeky twist that is as puzzling as it is engrossing.

In this electric setting, Babel comes alive as a crossroads for souls seeking to extend their time, where the stakes are measured in years and the currency is a fearless, unorthodox attitude. The film exudes an energy that is simultaneously playful and imbued with solemn undertones. Elements of queer celebration, magical happenings, and elements reminiscent of ’90s punk culture collide inside Babel.

The mise-en-scène brims with unexpected visuals—neon hues clashing with theatrical costumes amid eerie, night-time landscapes—that make every...