Review: Futuro Beach (2014)

27th March 2015

From Brazilian writer/director KARIM AÏNOUZ this production was split between Brazil and Germany. Brought to the UK by distributor Peccadillo Pictures; know for their support of Gay/LGBT cinema.

Note: The film is in a mix of Portuguese & German with English subtitles.

The film stars Wagner Moura, Clemens Schick and Jesuita Barbosa

“Donato (Wagner Moura) works as a lifeguard at the spectacular but treacherous Praia do Futuro beach in Brazil; Konrad (Clemens Schick) is an ex-military thrill-seeker from Germany vacationing with a friend. After Donato saves Konrad from drowning, but fails to save his other friend, initial sexual sparks give way to a deeper, emotional connection. Donato decides to leave everything behind, including his ailing mother and younger brother, Ayrton, to travel back to Berlin with Konrad.”

This is a delicious slice of bold foreign cinema at it’s best; this really is the kind of film that you couldn’t make in Hollywood. It is bold, daring and unabridged. Sex and emotion are equal tools in director’s tool box.

Karim here explores and focuses on the human story of loss, lust, friendship and brotherhood in breathtaking and intimate detail. The film feels relatable but also makes use of enhanced reality for dramatic effect.

There are some striking scenes in this picture; marked by the encounters between Donato and Ayrton; as well as some bold scenes between Donato and Konrad. The German section starts off dark and oppressive but embracing the brighter side of the lifestyle there.

A moving and evolving score underpins the film; it never seems to slow down. The beach scenes also show off the Brazilian coastline. It will be interesting to see what Karim does next.

4/5

The film will be in select UK cinemas May 8th.

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