This indie film is a really powerful look at how a community can suffocate you and the hidden corners young people have to find just to be themselves in so many European towns, even with all the progress we've seen lately. The whole story plays out while the town is bracing for a massive, raging flood, and you just can't shake the feeling that some kind of intense reckoning or unavoidable doom is headed their way. To be honest, I didn't go in with super high expectations, but the way it’s put together makes it a seriously compelling watch. Plus, it’s not every day you get to see an LGBT-themed movie coming out of Croatia! The story follows Marko, a popular 18-year-old kid who seems to have it all—he’s got a girlfriend, he’s a competitive arm wrestler, and he’s well-liked at school. When he isn't in class, he’s usually hanging out with his brother, who has a disability, or helping his mom out in her greenhouse. Everything gets flipped upside down when a guy named Slaven ...
Joao Francisco is an aspiring performer and general seeker of the spotlight in Lapa, Rio’s bohemian district. While managing a life helping out at a local nightclub, he actually earns the bulk of his income from committing petty crimes – mostly robbing unsuspecting young men whom he takes to his bed and schemes with Tabu, his brother/sister/whatever "limp fairy queen" as he calls. He is street smart, hustler but also has a soft side. He gave shelter to Laurita and her bay daughter. The 3 of them form an odd family. Yet, rage is never far away for Joao, an unfortunate byproduct of his irrepressible passion for life and determination to rise above his poverty stricken surroundings. It’s that very same rage that lands the flamboyant performer in prison several times throughout his life. We get to see a couple of instances but apparently , he spent a total of 30 years of his life in jail. Eventually Joao starts working at a club and fulfills his dream of drag performances and ends up becoming very popular in Rio. We are told towards the end that Joao took up the name "Madame Sata" inspired by a film "Madame Satan".
The narrative of the film is done in a bizarre way. After about half an hour, I was left wondering what the whole point of the movie is because it was going nowhere. It just kept going from one episode to another without showing any connection between the incidents. Also the film unfortunately does not provide too much insight into the characters; be it Joao, Laurita or Taboo. It becomes very hard to connect with them at an emotional level. AGreed that the actor playing Joao has done a damn good job and acts really well but he has been let down by a weak screenplay. Tabu was another character whose explanation was not provided but was acted really really well. Also what was up with little to no lighting in the film. Honestly it doesn't make for any pleasant viewing at all.
The character build-up is insufficient and the editing quite confusing, causing the overall feel to be incomplete and puzzling. (3/10)
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