I wanted to watch this film mainly for Nuno Lopes and Albano Jerónimo, two of the greatest Portuguese actors in modern times together in the same movie was enough to catch my attention, however they are not enough to make this an interesting story.
The synopsis sounded promising and it starts intriguing and dark, however the plot moves very slowly and allows for the audience to easily guess the story and how it will eventually unfold. The last 15 minutes are highly predictable considering the previous events yet they drag the conclusion without any twist or intensity just a really slow burner.
I get the themes and messages the movie tries to convey, going from guilt, chauvinism, awful traditions that keep existing for the sake of being traditions, however I felt it was a bit of a blend execution.
Even the actors portrayal for the most part feels very monotone which matches the entire atmosphere of the story, some of the events that happen during the film would probably ask for more intensity and drama yet it just feels too melodramatic.
Also Albano's character feels a bit forced I mean the other guys from the village have absolute no remorse whatsoever, they are all stone cold psychopaths and his character just happens to be an emotional pillar within the context of what happens?
I didn't buy into the story yet I will continue to look forward for more projects with these two guys!