As Verdades

A Brazilian drama film, in fact, a wonderful country police thriller film, with a perfect setting, incredible acting, that delicious accent, a well-structured script, careful characterization and locations, everything very realistic and convincing, Brazilian cinema leaving nothing to be desired when compared to the technical quality of Hollywood productions, very well produced and a great ending... I loved it... I would define it as IMPECCABLE...

A police officer tries to find out who is guilty of a crime committed against a candidate for mayor of a small town. He hears versions of the story from a hired killer, the victim's fiancée and the candidate himself.

Murder mystery and police investigation in Bahia countryside. Despite some dots not very well connected and in spite of an unsatisfactory ending, it is a nice film starred by great Lázaro Ramos. The best of the film is the way it portrayed contrasting versions told to detective Josué. The four testimonies no only added information and refuted the previous ones, but also seemed contradictory and unconvincing. All that gave a thrilling and noir atmosphere, which was enhanced by excellent performance by beautiful Bianca Bin. She succeded in portraying very different versions of Francisca, according to what was narrated by each witness, victim or suspect: she alternated from hick to seducer, from naive to manipultive, from frigthened to enamored.

I really enjoyed watching this movie. It has a skillful script, with actors who deliver strong performances (Lazaro Ramos, Bianca Bin, Drica Moraes, Thomas Aquino, Ze Carlos Machado), and is well directed. Each version of the crime is constructed to generate doubt in the viewer as to who is telling the truth. The characters' statements purposely don't fit together, and later you understand why. It holds your attention from beginning to end, with a surprising twist. Although it is a police story, it is thought-provoking. Some lines stay with you after seeing it. In addition to the suspense, the film has a strong emotional charge when it investigates the background of the characters and touches on important themes of Brazilian reality. I recommend this beautiful picture.