Watch Vazante

Vazante is a historical drama film set in 1821 in Brazil. It is directed by Daniela Thomas and stars Adriano Carvalho, Luana Nastas, and Sandra Corveloni in lead roles. The movie explores the complexities of race, gender, and power as it follows the story of a wealthy farmer named Antonio in a remote sugar plantation in the mountains of Brazil.

The movie begins with a tragic accident that leaves Antonio's wife dead. It becomes clear that Antonio is not coping with his loss, and when a group of slaves arrives on his plantation, he becomes obsessed with the youngest of the group, a 12-year-old girl named Beatriz. Antonio makes an impulsive decision to marry the young girl, hoping that it will fill the void left by his wife's death. However, his choice has severe consequences for everyone involved.

Beatriz, who initially hides her fear and disgust towards Antonio, eventually develops a curious and hesitant bond with him. As time goes by, she begins to understand the intricacies of Antonio's world, including the cultural complexities and oppressive norms that govern the plantation's slave economy. Beatriz realizes that her future is intertwined with Antonio's and must learn to navigate a world that is entirely foreign to her.

The film explores the themes of slavery, colonisation, and gender dynamics, which were prevalent throughout Brazil's history. It offers a critical lens that challenges our understanding of traditional power dynamics and the flaws of societal norms in a culture of oppression.

Daniela Thomas's direction and cinematography are some of the most distinctive aspects of the movie. The film's austere visuals expertly highlight the stark beauty of the mountainous terrain, making it an integral part of the narrative. Vazante is shot in black and white, which further adds to the movie's hauntingly beautiful visual palette.

The cast does an excellent job of delivering compelling performances. Adriano Carvalho brings a brooding intensity to his portrayal of Antonio, expertly conveying the complexity of the character's emotions. Luana Nastas is a revelation as the young and innocent Beatriz, taking on a challenging role that requires both vulnerability and strength. The supporting cast, particularly Sandra Corveloni, delivers nuanced performances that add to the film's explorations of the oppressive power dynamics of Brazilian society.

Despite its powerful themes and beautiful visuals, Vazante is not an easy watch. It is a challenging film that requires a lot of emotional investment. The director allows the movie to breathe with long and often silent shots, which can be jarring for modern audiences raised on fast-paced cinema. However, the pace is deliberate and necessary, allowing us as viewers to fully understand the motivations and feelings of the characters.

In conclusion, Vazante is an art-house film that resonates more as a mood piece than a traditional narrative. It explores themes that are relevant to today's world, from gender and power to racism and slavery, and does so through a haunting and beautiful aesthetic. With its stunning visuals and emotional performances, Vazante is a thought-provoking and sobering exploration of colonialism that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

Vazante is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 68.