Agreste (2023) by Sergio Roizenblit & Ricardo Mordoch: A Love Story Against the Odds in the Brazilian Sertão

Movie Summary: Love, Secrecy, and Flight in the Backlands

"Agreste" (2023) is a 104-minute Brazilian drama film, co-directed by Sergio Roizenblit and Ricardo Mordoch, with a screenplay by Newton Moreno and Marcus Aurelius Pimenta. Set in the harsh yet poetic Brazilian Sertão (backlands), the film tells a passionate love story between Etevaldo (Aury Porto), a solitary and reserved rural worker new to the village of Vargem Velha, and Maria (Badu Morais), a free-spirited young woman. Their burgeoning love faces a significant obstacle: Maria is promised in marriage to an influential older neighbor. When they fall deeply in love, they choose to run away. They find refuge with Valda, a deeply religious woman who embraces Maria like a daughter. However, their new life is threatened when a kidnapping investigation begins in the region, forcing Etevaldo to fear that his mysterious past will be revealed, putting their hard-won freedom and love in jeopardy amidst a society that disapproves of their union.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13254306/

About movie: https://www.agrestefilme.com/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/br/filme/agreste (Brasil)

Detailed Summary: Escape to Uncertain Freedom

A Parable of Forbidden Love and Haunting Secrets in a Timeless Landscape. "Agreste" is a film deeply rooted in the unique landscape and cultural fabric of the Brazilian Sertão, using its stark beauty to frame a story of intense human emotion and social conflict.

• The Setting: The Agreste Region: The title itself refers to a semi-arid region of the Brazilian Northeast, known for its challenging environment. This "Wilding Country" serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in itself, influencing the characters' resilience and the sense of both vastness and isolation.

• Etevaldo and Maria's Forbidden Love: Etevaldo, a quiet and enigmatic newcomer, carries a secret that shapes his reserved demeanor. Maria, despite being bound by a pre-arranged marriage, is drawn to his quiet strength and offers a spirited contrast to his solitude. Their love blossoms quickly, becoming an act of defiance against societal norms and familial obligations.

• The Flight to Valda's Home: Their decision to run away is a pivotal moment, symbolizing their quest for freedom and autonomy. They find an unexpected haven with Valda, a profoundly religious woman who provides not just shelter but also maternal affection, seeing Maria as a surrogate daughter. This offers a temporary respite from the outside world.

• The Haunting Past: The arrival of a kidnapping investigation in the region introduces a strong element of suspense and dread. Etevaldo's fear that his own past might be exposed suggests a dark secret that could jeopardize everything he has found with Maria. This creates a sense of growing tension as their fragile new life hangs in the balance.

• A Simple Story with Complex Undercurrents: Critics have noted the film's "economy of shots" and a "simple love and tragedy story" that gains depth from its visual storytelling. The initial communication between Etevaldo and Maria relies heavily on glances and ambient sounds, allowing the "naturalistic setting of the Bahia backlands to embrace its entire narrative."

• Visual Style and Symbolism: The cinematography, aiming for poetic beauty in wide shots that dwarf the characters against the immense landscape, is a highlight. However, some critics suggest the color grading, with its desaturated palette, sometimes struggles to effectively convey the heat and aridity of the Agreste region, leading to a "lack of sensitivity" in its aesthetic choices at times. Despite this, the film uses its setting to convey themes of loneliness, struggle, and the vastness of human emotions.

• Social Commentary: Beyond the love story, the film subtly touches on themes of social acceptance and the pressures faced by those who defy conventions, as society "does not accept their union."

Plot Summary: A Runaway Romance Threatened by Revelation

• Etevaldo, a reserved rural worker, arrives in Vargem Velha.

• He falls in love with Maria, who is promised in an arranged marriage to another man.

• Etevaldo and Maria flee the village to be together.

• They find shelter with Valda, a religious woman who cares for Maria.

• A local kidnapping investigation sparks Etevaldo's fear that his hidden past will be exposed, jeopardizing their newfound freedom and love.

Director's Vision: Sergio Roizenblit & Ricardo Mordoch's Poetic Realism

Capturing the Soul of the Sertão Through Love and Secrets. Sergio Roizenblit (known for documentaries like O Milagre de Santa Luzia) and Ricardo Mordoch (whose background includes directing and executive producing) combine their expertise to craft this narrative feature:

• Deep Connection to the Sertão: Their vision is deeply rooted in the Brazilian backlands, using the austere landscape to amplify the emotional intensity of the story. They aim to make the environment an integral part of the narrative.

• Visual Storytelling: The directors emphasize visual storytelling, relying on glances, body language, and the environment to convey emotions and narrative progression, especially in the film's early stages.

• Humanity in Solitude: They seek to explore themes of loneliness, connection, and the human search for belonging even in isolated settings.

• Blending Genres: While primarily a drama and love story, the introduction of a mystery (the kidnapping investigation) adds a thriller element, reflecting a more complex narrative approach.

• Social Relevance: The film serves as a parable, using the specific setting to address universal themes of freedom, love against prejudice, and the inescapable weight of the past. Roizenblit, in particular, draws parallels to classical works like Glauber Rocha's Black God, White Devil and Wim Wenders' Paris, Texas in terms of thematic resonance.

Themes: Forbidden Love, Secrecy & The Past, Freedom vs. Destiny, Solitude & Connection, and Societal Judgment

Love's Resilience in a Land of Hardship.

• Forbidden Love: The core of the narrative, focusing on the passionate connection between Etevaldo and Maria that defies social expectations and pre-arranged commitments.

• Secrecy and The Past's Haunt: Etevaldo's mysterious background and the fear of his past being revealed drives much of the film's tension, highlighting how unresolved histories can impact the present.

• Freedom vs. Destiny: Maria's rejection of her arranged marriage and the couple's flight symbolize a quest for self-determination against a predetermined life.

• Solitude and Connection: The film explores the inherent loneliness of its characters (especially Etevaldo) and how deep connection can transform their existence.

• Societal Judgment and Acceptance: The disapproval of their union and the investigation by authorities underscore how society can challenge individual choices and relationships that deviate from norms.

Key Success Factors: Authentic Setting, Poetic Visuals, and Strong Performances

• Evocative Setting: The film's use of the Brazilian Sertão as a powerful and authentic backdrop adds immense character and atmosphere.

• Passionate Central Romance: The love story between Etevaldo and Maria is central and aims to be deeply engaging.

• Blend of Drama and Suspense: The introduction of the kidnapping investigation adds a layer of mystery and tension to the emotional drama.

• Festival Presentation: Its selection for the 47th Mostra Internacional de Cinema in São Paulo indicates its artistic merit and recognition within the Brazilian film circuit.

• Experienced Directors: The combined experience of Roizenblit (documentary) and Mordoch (direction/production) suggests a nuanced approach to storytelling.

Awards & Nominations: Festival Recognition for a Unique Love Story

"Agreste" has gained some recognition within the film festival circuit, particularly in Latin America, for its unique setting and compelling narrative.

• Gramado Film Festival 2023: The film was featured in this prominent Brazilian film festival, known for showcasing national and Latin American cinema.

Summary: "Agreste" has received festival recognition, with its inclusion in the Gramado Film Festival highlighting its presence in the Brazilian and Latin American independent film scene.

Critics' Reception: A Visually Striking and Emotionally Resonant Drama

While widespread critical reviews are still emerging, early reception from festival screenings suggests that "Agreste" is appreciated for its visual storytelling, its authentic portrayal of life in the sertão, and the emotional depth of its central romance.

• Visual Poignancy: Critics have noted the film's ability to capture the stark beauty and harsh realities of the Brazilian sertão, using the landscape itself as a powerful character in the story.

• Authenticity: The film is praised for its authentic depiction of the challenges faced by communities in the drought-stricken regions of Brazil, bringing a layer of social realism to the romantic narrative.

• Emotional Core: Reviewers have found the central love story to be deeply moving, with the unlikely connection between the protagonists resonating against their difficult circumstances.

Summary: Early critical reception indicates that "Agreste" is a visually striking and emotionally resonant drama, lauded for its authentic portrayal of life in the Brazilian sertão and its poignant love story unfolding amidst adversity.

Reviews: Love Blooms in a Land of Drought

Reviews describe "Agreste" as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for connection, even in the most challenging environments, through the lens of a budding romance.

• The Setting: The film is set in the agreste, the semi-arid backlands of Brazil, a region perpetually challenged by severe droughts. This harsh environment is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the characters' lives, shaping their struggles and resilience.

• The Plot: The story follows two individuals whose paths cross in this remote, parched land. Despite the scarcity and difficulties that define their daily existence, an unexpected and profound love begins to develop between them.

• Themes of Resilience and Hope: "Agreste" explores themes of human resilience in the face of environmental and economic hardship. The blossoming romance serves as a powerful symbol of hope and persistence, suggesting that even when nature seems to offer "nothing new" (as the user's prompt implies with "Rain Fell on Nothing New" - a different film, but potentially drawing a thematic parallel), life and connection can still flourish.

• Unconventional Romance: Unlike typical romantic dramas, the film's love story is framed by the very real and immediate struggles for survival, making the connection between the characters all the more compelling and hard-won.

Summary: "Agreste" is reviewed as a romantic drama set in the drought-stricken Brazilian sertão, where an unlikely love story unfolds between two individuals. The film explores themes of resilience and hope, using the harsh natural environment to underscore the depth and significance of the emotional connection that blossoms against all odds.

Why to recommend movie: For a Poetic, Character-Driven Brazilian Drama

A Raw Exploration of Love's Power and the Weight of the Past.

• For Fans of Brazilian Cinema: If you appreciate films that delve into the unique landscapes and social dynamics of Brazil, particularly the Sertão region.

• For Emotional and Character-Driven Stories: The film focuses intensely on the love story and internal struggles of its protagonists.

• For Poetic Visual Storytelling: The cinematography aims to capture the beauty and harshness of the Brazilian backlands, using it to complement the narrative.

• If you enjoy independent films that explore social themes: "Agreste" addresses themes of love defying societal norms and the challenges faced by individuals escaping their pasts.

• To discover new voices: Sergio Roizenblit and Ricardo Mordoch offer a compelling narrative in their collaboration.

Movie Trend: Regional Focus in Brazilian Cinema & Independent Dramas

Bringing Local Stories to Universal Themes. "Agreste" aligns with the strong trend in Brazilian cinema of regional focus, where filmmakers delve into specific biomes, cultures, and social issues of Brazil (like the Sertão), using them as a powerful backdrop for universal human stories. This often involves independent dramas that prioritize character study, emotional depth, and social commentary over commercial appeal. The film's blend of love story, personal secrets, and social pressures also fits within contemporary narratives exploring resilience in challenging environments.

Social Trend: Rural Migration & Modern Relationships vs. Tradition

The Enduring Pull of Tradition Against the Winds of Change. The film resonates with several social trends in Brazil and beyond:

• Rural Migration and Modernization: While Etevaldo is a newcomer, the story implicitly touches upon the dynamics of rural communities and how changing societal values (like Maria's desire for personal choice over arranged marriage) interact with traditional structures.

• Modern Relationships vs. Tradition: Maria's refusal of an arranged marriage and her decision to run away with Etevaldo highlights the clash between individual desire for autonomous relationships and deeply ingrained family or community traditions.

• Social Acceptance and Prejudice: The challenges faced by the couple due to their unconventional union or Etevaldo's hidden past speak to the broader issue of societal acceptance and how communities react to those who deviate from norms.

• Justice and Redemption: The theme of a past crime haunting a character raises questions about justice, punishment, and the possibility of true redemption in the eyes of society.

Final Verdict: "Agreste (2023)" is a Poignant Love Story Rooted in the Brazilian Backlands

Sergio Roizenblit and Ricardo Mordoch's "Agreste (2023)" is a compelling Brazilian drama that weaves a passionate love story amidst the stark beauty and societal pressures of the Sertão. The film follows Etevaldo and Maria as they defy an arranged marriage to pursue their love, only for Etevaldo's hidden past to threaten their newfound freedom. Praised for its poetic cinematography and strong performances from Aury Porto and Badu Morais, "Agreste" offers an intimate character study that explores themes of freedom, destiny, and the search for connection. Despite some critical notes on its script's execution, the film gained recognition at the 47ª Mostra Internacional de Cinema em São Paulo, winning Best Screenplay and the Audience Award for Best Film. "Agreste" is a recommended watch for those seeking a unique, visually rich, and emotionally charged drama that delves into the human spirit's resilience against the odds.