"A Dog's Will 2" arrives with the tough task of continuing one of the most beloved films in Brazilian cinema, a movie that transcended its classic status to become part of the emotional fabric of entire generations. The challenge was no small feat: keeping the irreverent and critical spirit of the original alive without Ariano Suassuna as the creative compass, while also speaking to a Brazil that's changed a lot since the year 2000. The result is a sequel that flips between moments of brilliance and a lingering feeling that it could've dared a bit more.
The reunion with João Grilo and Chicó is, without a doubt, the film's biggest win. Selton Mello and Matheus Nachtergaele slip back into their characters with impressive ease, like time has only polished their chemistry even further. Their dynamic is still sharp, with the same street-smart humor and quick wit working just as well as before. Directors Guel Arraes and Flávia Lacerda know exactly how to tap into that, especially in the snappy dialogue and the absurd situations the duo gets tangled in. The film's opening is promising, with a fast-paced rhythm and a curious look at the changes in Taperoá-a town now touched by the modernities of a more connected Brazil, yet still drowning in old inequalities.
Visually, the film makes some interesting choices in recreating Taperoá with a theatrical flair, nodding to cordel literature and Northeastern folklore. The use of artificial sets, which had a charming, fairytale-like vibe in the original, now leans more stylized, trying to balance the real with the dreamlike. At times, it works beautifully, especially in indoor scenes where the set design feels more controlled and evocative. But the overuse of digital effects in outdoor scenes breaks that spell a bit, leaving everything with a plasticky look that clashes with the rustic, enchanting atmosphere the film is trying to recapture.
The sequel's biggest issue lies in its narrative structure. The film introduces some intriguing new elements, like the political clash between a local coronel (Humberto Martins) and a media mogul (Eduardo Sterblitch), along with the exploration of João Grilo as a "folk saint," mythologized by his own community. These conflicts had real potential to expand the story's universe, but they get swallowed up by the decision to stick to the original's formula. The third act is a clear example: João Grilo's celestial trial, which was a brilliant, meaningful climax in the first film, feels like a rehash here-lacking the same dramatic weight or creative freshness. It's déjà vu, but with less impact.
This reliance on nostalgia doesn't just limit the film; it also dims the shine of new characters who could've enriched the plot. Luís Miranda and Eduardo Sterblitch deliver solid performances, but their arcs are underused in favor of revisiting familiar beats. Taís Araújo, despite her charm and talent, can't carve out a new identity for Nossa Senhora, stuck under the heavy shadow of Fernanda Montenegro. This isn't a knock on her acting-it's more about a script that seems too hesitant to let go of the past and create something truly new.
That said, "A Dog's Will 2" is far from a failure. Not even close. The humor is still sharp, the social commentary is there (though a bit watered down), and the protagonists' charisma keeps the audience engaged until the end. It's a film that's fun and touching in many moments, especially for those who have an emotional connection to the original. The problem is, instead of using that foundation to soar higher, it chooses to play it safe, stuck in the comfort zone of what's already worked before. In the end, it's a pleasant reunion-but one that leaves you wishing the visit had been a bit bolder.
