Our Times

Lucero Returns to the Big Screen in Our Times—A Sci-Fi Romance with a Feminist Twist

Mexican cinema is getting a time-traveling jolt of nostalgia and gender politics with Our Times (2025), the latest Netflix original from director Chava Cartas. The film, which dropped globally on June 11, 2025, blends sci-fi spectacle with a romantic drama that pits love against progress—literally. Set in 1966 and 2025, the story follows physicists Nora and Héctor as they leap forward in time, only to find their relationship tested by the starkly different worlds they inhabit. For Nora, 2025 is a revelation; for Héctor, it’s a struggle. latestnetflix.com's read is that the film’s central conflict—Nora’s empowerment in a future that values women versus Héctor’s disorientation—has already sparked conversations about its feminist undertones.

A Star-Studded Comeback and Genre-Blending Flair

Our Times marks the return of Mexican icon Lucero to the silver screen after a lengthy hiatus, a move that’s generating buzz in Latin American entertainment circles. Known for her music and telenovela roles, Lucero’s casting as Nora suggests a deliberate pivot toward a more complex, dramatic role—one that aligns with the film’s themes of female agency. Opposite her is Benny Ibarra, the multi-talented musician and actor, playing Héctor. Their on-screen chemistry is poised to be a major draw, especially given the film’s high-stakes emotional core.

Director Chava Cartas, a veteran of Mexican comedies and genre projects, is no stranger to blending tones. His shift from cinematography to directing has been marked by a knack for balancing humor with deeper themes, and Our Times appears to be his most ambitious project yet. The film’s premise—a time-traveling love story with social commentary—positions it as a standout in Netflix’s growing slate of Latin American originals.

Behind the Scenes: A Netflix Exclusive with High Stakes

Our Times is a Netflix original, which means the streaming giant is betting big on its appeal across global audiences. The film’s release strategy—dropping worldwide on the same day—reflects Netflix’s confidence in its cross-cultural potential. While details about the production budget or behind-the-scenes challenges remain scarce, the cast list is packed with heavyweights. Renata Vaca, Ofelia Medina, and Alejandro Ávila round out the ensemble, bringing depth to what’s shaping up to be a character-driven sci-fi drama.

One unanswered question is how the film’s time-travel mechanics will play out visually. Cartas’ background in cinematography suggests a keen eye for aesthetics, but whether Our Times leans into retro futurism or a more grounded approach remains to be seen. Early buzz hints at a mix of 1960s nostalgia and sleek 2025 tech, but without official stills or trailers, fans are left speculating.

Themes and Expectations: Love vs. Progress

At its heart, Our Times is a love story with a twist: What happens when the future you dreamed of doesn’t include the person you love? Nora’s thriving in 2025—a world that empowers women—while Héctor grapples with his place in it, creates a dynamic ripe for drama. The film’s premise has drawn comparisons to The Time Traveler’s Wife, but with a distinctly Mexican perspective on gender roles and societal change.

Whether Our Times will resonate beyond its sci-fi trappings depends on how well it balances its romantic and social themes. If early reactions are any indication, Lucero’s performance could be the film’s secret weapon, offering a nuanced take on a woman torn between past and future.

For now, the film’s Netflix debut has given it a built-in audience, but its legacy will hinge on whether it can transcend its genre to deliver something truly memorable.