Few figures in the Dominican artistic landscape can truly be granted the title of legend, and Milly Quezada is one of them. The new film by Dominican filmmaker Leticia Tonos, Milly: Queen of Merengue, embraces the life and artistic journey of the Queen of Merengue. Fiction intertwines with biographical drama to create an ambitious story that spans decades, from her childhood and early steps in music to her rise as a musical icon.

The screenplay by Leticia Tonos and Junior Rosario is structured around the conventions of the musical genre. This is the film’s greatest achievement: finding its voice through music and dance, driven by legendary songs that have transcended generations. The energy delivered through its choreography and musical numbers far surpasses the parallel dramatic narrative that seeks to tell Milly’s life story. At times, it feels as though two different films are unfolding simultaneously: one that pulses with vitality through music, and another that struggles to establish itself as a compelling biographical drama.

The performances allow us to navigate the screenplay’s highs and lows with enough fluidity to remain connected to the story. Sandy Hernández, portraying Milly, leads the cast with remarkable strength. Hernández stands out in a demanding role that requires not only dramatic skill but also the performance of songs and complex dance routines. Serving as a direct counterpart to Milly’s character is Don Rafael, her father, portrayed with confidence and restraint by veteran actor Jalsen Santana. The central ensemble is completed by Juan Carlos Pichardo Jr., Raidher Díaz, Cindy Galán, Raymond Moreta, and Carasaf Sánchez. Their performances provide solid support for the development of the story.

It could not be otherwise: Milly: Queen of Merengue is infused with music. Amid the sounds of the güira and tambora, the film attempts to capture the essence of an artist who helped pave the way for women in merengue, played a central role in internationalizing the genre, and became an undeniable symbol of the Dominican diaspora. The film finds its strongest form when it allows the music to speak for itself. It successfully captures the energy, charisma, and perseverance of a truly unique artist. The biographical drama does not always achieve the same strength as its musical sequences, but in the end, those songs that are part of the Dominican collective memory provide the momentum needed for the story to succeed.