New Movies: Serra das Almas (2024) by Lírio Ferreira: An Action and Drama Thriller in the Pernambuco Backlands
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 8
- 9 min read
Serra das Almas (2024) is a Brazilian film by Lírio Ferreira that delves into an intense plot of action, drama, and terror. Set in the interior of Pernambuco, the film follows the catastrophic consequences of a jewel heist that triggers a complex ambush involving criminals, a journalistic investigation, and corrupt politicians. With a non-linear narrative, the film promises twists and turns and moments of profound reflection, exploring conflicts of power and identity.
Short Summary
Lírio Ferreira's Serra das Almas (2024) is a Brazilian thriller set in rural Pernambuco. A jewel heist leads to a complex ambush involving criminals, journalists, and corrupt politicians, intertwining action, drama, and terror.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33505728/
About movie: https://about.netflix.com/en/news/serra-das-almas-wins-the-second-netflix-award-at-the-sao-paulo-international
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/nl/movie/serra-das-almas (Netherlands)
Detailed Summary
Serra das Almas (2024) is the new feature film from Pernambuco-born filmmaker Lírio Ferreira, known for works like Baile Perfumado. The film is a co-production between Carnaval Filmes and Urso Filmes, distributed by Imagem Filmes. The plot unfolds in a town in the interior of Pernambuco, serving as the backdrop for an intense mix of action, drama, and terror. The central narrative revolves around a jewel heist that triggers a series of catastrophic events, including a coup and a kidnapping. Two groups of people – journalists in the midst of an investigation, a couple, and criminals – find themselves trapped in a house, forced to confront not only time but also their own pasts. With an approach that flirts with psychological thriller and action, Serra das Almas promises surprises and an unexpected outcome, integrating elements of humor and exploring the existential conflicts and personal challenges of the characters. The film has been praised at festivals such as Festival do Rio and the São Paulo International Film Festival, where it received the Netflix Award.
Plot Summary
The Catalyst: A jewel heist in the interior of Pernambuco triggers a series of catastrophic events.
The Ambush: An elaborate ambush involves various characters: criminals, journalists in the midst of an investigation, and corrupt politicians.
Confrontation and Confinement: Amidst a coup and a kidnapping, different groups of people—including journalists, a couple, and criminals—find themselves trapped in a house.
Time and Past: Forced to deal with time pressure and the ghosts of their pasts, the characters must confront their own truths.
Mixed Genres: The plot combines action, drama, and terror, with touches of humor and elements of psychological thriller, culminating in an unexpected outcome.
Director's Vision
Lírio Ferreira, an acclaimed filmmaker in Brazil, brings a vision to Serra das Almas that values narrative complexity and the power of performances. Ferreira's vision for the film includes:
Non-Linear and Complex Narrative: The director seeks to explore the psychological tension of the characters through a plot structure that mixes action, suspense, and moments of deep reflection.
Emphasis on the Cast: Lírio Ferreira highlights the importance of the actors and actresses, considering their faces and performances as the film's "art direction," even citing John Ford. He aimed for the cast to infuse particular prosodies and memorable dialogues.
The Serra as a Character: The arid and imposing landscape of the Pernambuco interior is not just a location, but an active character that directly influences the characters and the film's atmosphere.
Hope Amidst Chaos: Despite the violence and nightmare-like atmosphere, Lírio Ferreira sees the film as a portrait of a time when the country emerged from a difficult political and social period (referring to the pandemic and elections), carrying a "disjointed hope" at the end.
Gender Contrasts: The director emphasizes the dynamic between male groups (the "brothers" who kill each other) and female groups (women who, even without knowing each other, care for and support one another), creating a rich and complex counterpoint in the narrative.
Key Themes
Corruption and Power: The plot addresses the intricate web of corruption involving politicians and criminals, and how power can trigger catastrophic events.
Investigative Journalism and its Consequences: The film explores the dangers and repercussions of journalism that seeks truth in hostile environments, putting journalists at risk.
Existential Conflicts and Personal Challenges: The characters are forced to confront their pasts and fears, revealing their vulnerabilities and their quest for freedom.
Humanity Under Pressure: The question "who among them are the real animals?" suggests an exploration of human nature when confronted with extreme situations of survival and morality.
Female Strength: The film highlights solidarity and the capacity for care among the female characters, contrasting with the violence of the male characters.
Setting as a Narrative Element: The interior of Pernambuco transcends the role of a mere location, becoming a character that intensifies tension and shapes the film's atmosphere.
Key Success Factors
Experienced Direction: Lírio Ferreira is a consolidated name in Brazilian cinema, which gives the film a mark of quality and attracts audiences.
Engaging and Complex Plot: The mix of genres and the non-linear narrative promise to keep the viewer engaged and intrigued.
Outstanding Cast: The presence of talents like Mariana Oliveira, Julia Stockler, and Ravel Andrade, who deliver intense and nuanced performances, elevates the film's quality.
Thematic Relevance: The approach to themes like corruption, investigative journalism, and human resilience in adverse contexts makes the film current and pertinent.
Festival Recognition: The Netflix Award at the São Paulo International Film Festival and its selection for Festival do Rio attest to the film's quality and appeal.
Awards and Nominations
Serra das Almas (2024) has already received significant recognition:
São Paulo International Film Festival: Winner of the Netflix Award (second edition of the award).
Festival do Rio 2024: Was part of the main competition of Première Brasil.
Critical Reception
Critical reception for Serra das Almas (2024) has been generally positive, with highlights on the complexity of the narrative and the strength of the performances.
AdoroCinema: Received a 4.5/5 rating, with one critic praising the narrative that "captivates the viewer" and "the way the timeline is built maintains interest throughout, sprinkled with action and suspense scenes that keep the atmosphere tense." It also highlighted "very competent performances, beautiful cinematography, and the wonderful Recife accent heard throughout."
CinePOP: Stated that the film "brings engaging elements from two well-defined Brazilian universes: the fast-paced life in the urban center (the political and journalistic universe, centered on Julia Stockler's character) and the peripheral Northeast." It praised the "strength of the female protagonists" and how the supportive and solidary relationship between them "makes the story even more emotional."
Club do Filme: In its review, it mentioned that "The entire atmosphere created around Serra das Almas is well utilized and convincing," although it pointed out that "the lack of unity is detrimental," but that "the intentions and great performances help elevate the plot and take the film out of a common place."
Overall, critics generally commend Lírio Ferreira's boldness in mixing genres and the film's ability to engage the audience, as well as praising the cast's performances.
Reviews
Audience and widespread critical reviews for Serra das Almas (2024) are still developing following its festival screenings and theatrical release. However, the positive critical reception from various film festivals suggests that audiences will find it a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
Intriguing Plot: Many praise how the film mixes action, drama, and terror, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Solid Performances: The cast's performances, especially those of the actresses, are frequently highlighted for their depth and authenticity.
Immersive Setting: The use of Pernambuco's interior as an active element in the narrative is appreciated, contributing to the film's unique atmosphere.
Non-Linear Narrative: Although some might find the non-linear structure challenging, most consider it a success that intensifies the suspense and depth of the plot.
Relevant Themes: The film resonates with audiences by addressing contemporary issues of corruption, the search for truth, and human resilience.
Production Summary
Serra das Almas (2024) is a Brazilian film by Lírio Ferreira. It was written by Paulo Fontenelle and Audemir Leuzinger. The production companies are Carnaval Filmes and Urso Filmes. The executive producers are Nara Aragão, João Vieira Jr., Alcir Lacerda Filho, and Daniela Vieira. The film was shot and takes place in the interior of Pernambuco, Brazil.
Production Companies
The primary production companies for Serra das Almas (2024) are Carnaval Filmes and Urso Filmes.
Sales Companies
There is no widely available information about specific sales companies for Serra das Almas (2024). Typically, distribution is managed by the distributor or the producer for international sales.
Distribution Companies
The distributor for Serra das Almas (2024) in Brazil is Imagem Filmes. Additionally, the film won the Netflix Award at the São Paulo International Film Festival, which opens the possibility of global distribution via Netflix.
Streaming Release Date
Although the film received the Netflix Award, the exact streaming release date for Serra das Almas (2024) has not been widely announced. It's common for Netflix Award-winning films to be made available on the platform after their festival and theatrical runs.
Theatrical Release
Serra das Almas (2024) was released in Brazilian cinemas on April 24, 2025. It had screenings and was part of the main competition of Première Brasil at Festival do Rio 2024.
Why to Recommend the Movie
Intrigue and Tension: The mix of action, drama, and terror with a complex ambush promises a film that captivates from beginning to end.
Quality Brazilian Cinema: Lírio Ferreira is a renowned director, and the film has already received festival recognition, indicating a high-level production.
Current Themes: The approach to corruption, investigative journalism, and the search for truth resonates with contemporary social debates.
Outstanding Performances: The cast, with names like Mariana Oliveira, Julia Stockler, and Ravel Andrade, delivers critically acclaimed performances, ensuring the depth of the characters.
Distinctive Setting: The use of the interior of Pernambuco as a "character" adds a rich cultural and visual layer to the story.
Why to Watch the Movie
If you enjoy psychological thrillers and action: The film offers an intense and non-linear narrative that explores the characters' minds under pressure.
To see a Brazilian film with festival quality: If you appreciate national cinema that stands out at important events, this is a promising title.
To reflect on human nature: The film's central question about "who are the real animals" proposes a profound analysis of morality in times of crisis.
If you are looking for a film with strong performances: The cast is praised for the intensity and nuance of their interpretations.
To appreciate the beauty and harshness of the Pernambuco backlands: The setting is a crucial element that shapes the atmosphere and narrative.
Movie Trend
The film follows the trend of Action and Drama Thrillers with Social Commentary and Regional Elements. This trend sees Brazilian cinema exploring popular genres while infusing them with deep social commentary on the country's reality, using regional settings to add authenticity and complexity to the narrative. The non-linear narrative and psychological exploration also align it with the trend of "Elevated" or Auteur Genre Cinema.
Social Trend
The film aligns with the social trend of Exposure of Corruption and Valorization of Investigative Journalism, as well as the Discussion on Human Resilience in Adverse Contexts. In a global and national scenario of growing distrust in institutions, films that critically address corruption and highlight the search for truth resonate strongly. Furthermore, the exploration of moral complexities and the capacity for survival in challenging environments reflects a search for stories that speak about overcoming adversity and the nature of humanity under pressure.
Final Verdict
Serra das Almas (2024), directed by Lírio Ferreira, is an ambitious and thought-provoking action and drama thriller that stands out in the landscape of Brazilian cinema. Set in the striking interior of Pernambuco, the film weaves a complex plot of heist, ambush, and corruption, with a non-linear narrative that maintains tension and invites reflection. With a talented cast delivering intense performances and the direction of an experienced filmmaker, the film promises an immersive and relevant cinematic experience. Its recognition at Festival do Rio and the Netflix Award attest to its quality and potential to reach a wide audience, solidifying it as an important work that explores human resilience and the complexities of power in a vibrant and challenging setting.
Recommendations for Filmmakers
Explore Non-Linear Narratives: Dare to use plot structures that complicate the viewer's experience and deepen themes, as in "Serra das Almas."
Highlight Performance: Invest in directing actors and actresses, allowing their performances to be a fundamental pillar of the narrative and the film's art direction.
Use the Setting as a Character: Integrate locations so that they are not just a backdrop, but active elements that influence the plot and characters, like the Pernambuco backlands in the film.
Mix Genres with Purpose: Combine different genres (action, drama, terror, comedy) to create an original and unpredictable work, but always with a clear narrative or thematic objective.
Address Relevant Social Issues: Use cinema to comment on current issues such as corruption, inequality, and the search for truth, giving your work greater depth.
Recommendations for the Movie Industry
Support Regional Diversity: Invest in productions that explore different settings and cultures of Brazil, enriching the variety of narratives in national cinema.
Value Auteur Genre Cinema: Recognize and finance films that venture into popular genres (thriller, horror), but with an auteur touch and thematic density.
Promote Films with Complex Narratives: Support works that challenge the audience with unconventional structures and layers of meaning, stimulating a more engaged audience.
Leverage Festival Success: Use recognition at major festivals as a catalyst for broader distribution and promotion of films, especially national ones.
Explore New Distribution Partnerships: Continue seeking agreements with global streaming platforms, such as Netflix, to increase the reach of Brazilian cinema internationally.
Final Conclusions
Serra das Almas (2024), directed by Lírio Ferreira, is a striking and intellectually stimulating cinematic work that successfully blends genres and employs a complex narrative. The film, set in the impactful interior of Pernambuco, weaves a story of action, drama, and terror that delves into themes of corruption, investigative journalism, and human resilience under pressure. With acclaimed performances and a directorial vision that values both the actors' strength and the evocative setting, "Serra das Almas" stands as a vibrant example of contemporary Brazilian cinema. Through its festival success and partnership with global platforms, it has the potential to impact and provoke reflection in a vast and diverse audience.
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