O Lobo Atrás da Porta

Like the beginning of a love affair this movie starts light on its toes and superficial lulling you into thinking you're just going to get a slice of life kind of Brazilian romantic comedy but looks can be deceiving. Soon enough surfaces start to crack and there's no mistake you're watching naked, raw egos in mortal combat of the highest order. Ordinary people can be spectacularly duplicitous and damaging to themselves and those in their orbit, throwing their emotionally eviscerating punches with operatic gusto. It's not over till the fat lady sings and by the time she does you're watching a horror movie ripped from real life headlines.

The debut feature film by Fernando Coimbra is well developped in the level of perfection, in both the funny and in the terribly harsh moments. The script not only unveils the occurence but also explores well the different versions narrated by the characters, and the traits of each of them. Cinematography and art direction beautifully portray Rio the Janeiro lower class suburbs, a town which is different from the one in touristic post cards. Dialogues are extremely well written, and if someone wants to know what to expect to find in a police station in Rio the Janeiro, the lines perfectly played by Juliano Cazarré are exemplary. Indeed, the film brings a stellar casting which provides top level performances. Leandra Leal is no less than perfect in the leading role, exhibitting her astonishing skills which allow her either have an overhelming presence in the whole scene or be incredibly subtle and realistic. Her sex scenes with Milhem Cortaz are indeed among the most organic and realistic I have ever seen in a film. Besides Leal, Cortaz and Cazarré, the extraordinary casting also included Fabiula Nascimento, Thalita Carauta, and Karine Teles, among others. I will not add any further comment about the story because I think the less spectator knows previously, the more (s)he will enjoy.

I study Communication Science and the body language, the way of speaking the slangs of the woman who make the call at the bar is very well represented, specifically from Zona Norte region in Rio de Janeiro, which is where the movie took place.

Now, Fernando Coimbra knows how to make a film. This may be his very first feature length movie but it's shot, edited and acted to perfection. The plots does have some minor difficulties, but as a rule this tale of raw emotions and revenge works as if told by a veteran of the trade. The three leads are very good, especially so is Leandra Leal as Rosa, handling her role like one of the very best. The story might not be an original, but very few real original stories are still available for the picking. Hollywood has given up on originality long ago. If there's any originality to be found it's in the way stories are being told. Well Coimbra passes this test with flying colors. And considering the story he's telling he also does it without any excess, not using any gratuitous violence or any unwarranted emotional manipulation. All that while still maintaining suspense and characters development. It's a very good bottom line for any film, all the more when it's a feature length first. Fernando Coimbra is definitely a director to follow.

Fernando Coimbra Brazilian filmmaker is relatively new to the industry. With three short films to his credit, he's now come up with a full-length film that is very dark and possibly very upsetting to some viewers, so think twice before you give it a try. But if you do, it will leave probably leave you on edge by the time it's complete since it's rather gritty and disturbing...and very realistic.

The film begins with a mother going to her daughter's daycare and learning that some lady had already picked up her daughter. The mother is panicked....she didn't send anyone to get the girl! Soon she's at the police station and the officer investigating isn't exactly professional in his methods. He thinks there's more to it-- like the family is holding something back. Sure enough, there is-- the father was having an affair and his mistress might have something to do with the disappearance.

What follows is a long flashback to the mistress's life and her affair with this horrible man. He's violent and nasty....and some of this might be very hard for viewers to watch. The actors did a great job doing some very difficult and extremely emotional and gut- wrenching scenes. I am NOT criticizing the film for being tough to watch at times...I actually think Coimbra did a great job in not showing too much or glorifying the violence in the movie. How all this plays into the disappearance of his daughter is just something you'll need to see for yourself. Be prepared to be shocked and be prepared for a movie that starts off very slow but which grabs you and pulls you emotionally into the story.

In addition to some violence and adult content, the film also has a reasonable amount of nudity. Like the violence, it isn't gratuitous...it's much more matter-of-fact. But I mention this because if you are looking for a good family movie or something to watch with your mother or Father O'Reilly, you might just want to try something else.