Official submission of Portugal for the 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
The plot is loosely based on the director's childhood.
Canijo avoids the traditional emotional depiction of his characters, preferring a more observational and less invasive approach. This aesthetic choice is a way of respecting the imagination of the viewer, who is invited to observe and interpret, without emotions being forced or emphasized. The cinematography, led by a professional described by Canijo as extremely talented and independent, gives the film a visual palette that complements this emotional distance, creating an almost voyeuristic experience, where the audience discreetly watches the unfolding of relationships.
Canijo drew inspiration from works by August Strindberg to structure the three acts of his movie: Playing with Fire, The Pelican, and Motherly Love. These parts share a common theme: family dramas experienced between mothers and their children.