Tribeca Film Festival 2026 Review: “The Tropic Sun and His Eyes”

By Morgan Roberts

Director: Elisee Junior St Preux
Writer: Elisee Junior St Preux
Stars: Stevenson Jean, Blangue Machiny, Ulrick Remy
Runtime: 80 minutes
Year: 2026

Ruben (Stevenson Jean) is on a journey. Traveling on foot, Ruben traverses across Haiti to reconnect with his estranged father. Followed by a persistent street kid (Blangue Machiny), Ruben crosses the country with the boy on two conditions: help him find a shortcut and keep some distance. Through his voyage, Ruben traverses the Haitian landscape, reckoning with his path, reconnecting with his country, and walking forward into his future.

With “The Tropic Sun and His Eyes” filmmaker Elisee Junior St Preux makes a stunning feature film debut. The film is the first shot entirely in Haiti. There is a preconceived notion about the Caribbean country, with most American-centered cinema focused on the political and economic crises - without care or consideration of the nation’s rich (and at times difficult) history. St Preux uses his film as a conduit for audiences to be introduced to Haiti, its people, and its culture. We are able to witness the country and its landscape in all its wonder, thanks in part as well to the stunning cinematography by Dawit Adera.

Stevenson Jean and Blangue Machiny in “The Tropic Sun and His Eyes”

The film is also centered on this man’s journey. As Ruben walks closer to his estranged father, closer to his family, closer to his home, he is forced to reckon with not only the direct traumas of his life, but the inherited trauma from the generations before. His struggles with his own mental health are touched on, but are never heavy handed. Jean navigates Ruben’s emotions with great care. We are able to witness a man processes in real time his fear, his apprehensions, his loneliness. What I found most profound was this journey of a man starting to heal his own childhood wounds. We are able to see that through his interactions with the street kid, how he is first put off by this child, but soon grows to care for him, and, in turn, care for that reflection within himself.

Furthermore, “The Tropic Sun and His Eyes” explores masculinity in all of its complexity. Far too often, cinema focuses on the stereotypes associated with masculinity, giving great weight to them. The film interrogates and deconstructs those in truly thoughtful ways. It is not only through these powerful interactions between men, but we are able to witness that through Ruben opening himself up to the world. Moreover, when we are able to see Ruben reunite with his father, we witness something truly raw and impactful. “The Tropic Sun and His Eyes” is a rare look at masculinity, men’s mental health, and generational trauma all told tenderly in an intimate portrait of a film.

Grade: A-
Double Feature With: “Blue Heron” (2026) dir. Sophy Romvari