High Tide

One could drown in the sea of available titles to watch in the current cinema, yet Marco Calvani's 'High Tide', the story of a heartbroken Brazilian emigre in Provincetown on an expiring tourist visa so distinguishes itself from the other grains of sand on the beach as to reach terra firma. Beautifully shot and subtly acted, this film feels more like the work of a mature director, not a freshman debut. Provincetown, in its cedar-shingled and pea-gravelled splendor deserves a supporting actor credit for shedding her silvery New England light on the mortal proceedings. Bill Irwin and Marisa Tomei lead the pitch perfect cast, while the center of gravity, Marco Pigossi (Lourenco) so honestly inhabits his character as to make the film his documentary. James Bland's Maurice as the too-good-to-be-real love interest provides the plot propellant, but his meltdown for being mistaken as a total top just didn't ring so true. Bland's film presence is anything but, and his character more than redeems his missteps by the time all is said and done. Indulge this reviewer noting Maurice is from my hometown of Richmond. All understood, all forgiven.

'High Tide' is emotionally rewarding in its own right, but takes on additional gravity in the context of our immigration system and the new administration's plans to sink it. High tide indeed.

This movie is so well done not only for the story line that most foreigners can relate, the gay life's nuances, but also for the photography and scenes cuts.

What seamed to be an ordinary story, was transformed to be a moving sequence of events and little details of life that made it all combined a gorgeous film to watch.

From romance, to drama, to fun, to suspense, the mix of emotions was so captivating to watch and lovely to learn more about the story.

I could not recommend it enough. Me and my friends left the theater crying and wanting for the second one. I hope there is a continuation of the story.

Heartbreakingly beautiful haunting and realistic depiction of love, loss, rock bottom, desperation, resilience and resurrection

I was so afraid it was going to be a flashy camp boy meets boy blah blah blah

It was the most realistic (and self identifying relatable) of all the phases one can go through in a breakup... and fear of "where am I...what am I know?"

the brilliant and poignant moments hit me hard; harder and more beautifully than expected

Marco (subtle and yet intense), James Bland (vulnerable and self aware) Marisa Tomei (just...!!!) and Bill Irwin (melancholy and sincere) were outstanding. Director Marco let his stars shine and develop and demonstrate REAL human emotion... wisdom... and a common thread of melancholy-tinged hope

He brought out so much from all allowing them disappear into characters. I simply fell in love with, rooted for, cried with, identified with... and wanted them to simply find fulfillment (and forgiveness).

I've not been so immediately moved from frame 1 nor felt each and EVERY actor's emotions in such a long long time

It gave me hope.

Just saw this at IFC in NYC to a packed house... Outstanding debut film by writer director Marco Calvani! Magnificent performances by Marco Pigossi (a star is born!) and James Bland and Bill Irwin!! Also Marisa Tomei shines! I'm blown away! Exceptional cinematography, editing and the music is sublime... I was moved to tears from start to finish, and even though it's a gay love story and I'm a straight woman I was completely Darwin in and touched and moved... Please go check it out! No surprise it's a New York Times Critics' Pick! Can't wait to see what Mr Calvani does next! Bravo bravo bravo!!!!!!

High Tide, written and directed by Marco Calvani and starring his husband Marco Pigossi, isn't just a film-it's a mirror. A soft, brutal one. The kind that doesn't flatter but tells the truth, gently, and then walks away before you can argue.

At 49, gay, and newly divorced, I didn't expect to be seen-really seen-by a film that moves this quietly. Pigossi's character floats through his life like a ghost haunting his own body, and I felt every second of it. I've been there. Frankly, I might still be there.

Calvani's script cuts with a poet's precision, carving out themes of shame, isolation, and the quiet cruelty of gay loneliness with zero melodrama and zero apologies. Pigossi, for his part, delivers a performance so naked and unguarded, it feels almost obscene that the Academy will likely ignore it.

This film doesn't beg for attention. It trusts you'll lean in. And if you do, you'll find something rare: a gay story told without polish or pretension, but with the kind of emotional architecture that stays with you for days.

We need films like High Tide. Not louder ones-truer ones.