“Multi-hyphenate writer-director-actress Adelina Anthony’s feature debut proves that interesting Latina filmmaking is also happening in America, as witnessed by this Los Angeles-set, seductive Xicana and Puerto Rican-centric love story. After multiple troubled relationships, Yoli finds herself driven to pursue a Puerto Rican nurse, which sets off a string of difficult memories and vices from past romances. Featuring a cast of lesbian and trans individuals, the viscerally titled “Bruising for Besos” mixes English and Spanish as Yoli comes to terms with the queer and trans trauma that she’s faced while creating a path for catharsis and new beginnings not driven by fear. It conjures the joy of love and the perpetual angst of heartbreak that can come from falling in love. Balancing candid conversations between friends with sultry segments that exude sexy, red-hued bliss, “Bruising for Besos” is a powerful ode to reconciling your history in order to discover happiness and acceptance.””