Xavier

This lbgtqia+ short film is delicate, sensitive, and well produced. There is an intent of developping deeply the characters, what is also important. However, they tried it so much that the film looked unfinished. Why the boy was not paying attention in school? It had no consequences for the story. Why the boy loves drums? Just for showing the father playing that song with his guitar? That is too little. And there us too much time focusing in the other boy, what would make sense if the entire film emphasized more the first person perspective (what the main character sees and listens), what it did not, just for a little moment.

Xavier is a Portuguese language short that was filmed over three days. The subject matter was inspired by a true event as it deals musician Nicolas who while talking to his teacher at school discovers that his son is attracted to boys rather than girls and wants to encourage his sexuality.

Xavier is an eleven year old who loves to play drums but although bright he seems to be withdrawn with few friends, in fact he seems to be more comfortable with older boys.

Director Ricky Mastro gets tender performances from his young actors and the short ends with a lovely song that the father songs to his son.