Let's be real: who hasn't envied the seemingly jet-setting life of a location scout? Taking pictures of New York's soaring skyscrapers and whimsy-laden shops, not unlike Sofia, the star player in Paula Andrea González-Nasser's charming debut film, "The Scout". Sofia's compass guides her through the tightrope walk of balancing picturesque locations with the quirkiness of their inhabitants.

Content with revealing uncomfortable yet honest truths about such a dreamy profession, González-Nasser, an ex-location scout herself, showcases the dexterity, patience and diplomacy required. Sofia smoothly navigates the demands of her team and the sensitivity of homeowners whose lives are plastered on walls and nestled in furniture she photographs. All while resisting the temptation to fade into a supporting role in her own life.

Meticulously scripted by González-Nasser herself, the film focuses on Sofia's unique encounters throughout her workday. These exchanges ebb and flow with the intricacy of personal space and the audacious demands of Sofia's profession all the while echoing sentiments of films like Wim Wenders' "Perfect Days".

When we are introduced to Sofia, she is comfortably ensconced within the familiar claustrophobia of her personalized New York space, akin to that of many of the city’s young inhabitants. Little does she know, her professional role would soon navigate her through a myriad of spaces, each with its own story and unique human connection.

Every location is a fresh canvas for Sofia to paint subtle modifications to her demeanor, securing an agreement to allow a crew of intruders to temporarily claim the space. With a sweet older lady reminiscing about her globe-trotting son, or a pet shop owner asking her out to dinner, each interaction is conquered with Sofia's serene coolness.

However, not all her colleagues share her empathetic approach. Their tactless evaluations of cherished homes provide an unflattering contrast to Sofia’s mindfulness.

"The Scout", in visual brilliance, utilizes the softer sounds of the city and a thoughtful score by Dan Arnés to emphasize the transitory nature of Sofia’s work. While the film’s series of vignettes does fail to deliver a strong narrative punch, hints of Sofia’s own past and aspirations come to light in a brief spicy exchange with an old friend, Becca.

The film is an homage to Sofia, gradually finding her narrative in an environment that almost swallows her whole. A moment of respite and self-affirmation comes at a painfully overdue time, on a beach with the soothing waves as her audience.