FUTURO BEACH ****
Among the most celebrated contemporary Brazilian filmmakers, Karim Aïnouz, born in Ceará, has been engaged in authentic projects, revealing a different perspective on Brazilian modern society with stories supported by the honesty of its subjects. His credits include “Love for Sale”, “The Silver Cliff”, the poetic masterpiece “I Travel Because I Have To”, and he also penned “Lower City” and Oscar nominated “Behind the Sun”, proving himself an accomplished artist. On his last film he cast Wagner Moura, the actor of “Elite’s Squad”(Brazil’s Top grossing film ever) as the leading character, shocking audiences as he explores a never-seen side of the popular actor.
And that’s called courage and determination. Moura leaves the macho persona behind to literally dive into a gay character, who’s very masculine and had decided to give love a chance, even if sacrifices must be done. He plays Donato, a lifeguard on the dangerous beach of the title, who’s suffering after he wasn’t able to save a man from sinking in the deep waters. When he notifies the deceased’s partner, a German tourist, about his loss, they become associated with the tragedy, and start a mission to rescue the body. But since the first moment they meet, there’s a sense of uncontrolled vulnerability floating over their heads and bodies. They surrender to the secret desire increasingly committing themselves to the passionate affair. The director observes carefully these two men in conflict with their emotions, and unfolds their decisions promptly: the tourist must return home, and Donato looks at the immensity of the ocean, realizing the evident emptiness around him. He decides travelling to Europe where he’ll be divided by his family ties and his love interest. Aïnouz then puts the focus on the migration effect, as their love will battle barriers of language, climate and cultural habits. He proves his film isn’t just a gay love story, going much further pointing to social issues, such as the insecurity and uneasiness of modern relationships while seeking to settle down. The amazing cinematography by Ali Olcay Gözkays, dazzling captures the sunny risks of the beach and the cold dark skies of Germany, as well as the audacity of closer angles on the heat between the two guys. While Moura reveals himself as a fearless performer, Aïnouz scores another goal with his originality, creating a remarkable erotic thriller about a love that won’t deny its strength. (Opens Friday, February 27th at IFC Center, West 4th Street, 6th Avenue in NYC)
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