This was one of the films I was looking forward to most this year and it’s a shame it’s not received a Perth or Australian release yet. For those who have a VPN, you could stream it from the Criterion Channel. I read up too much on the Brazilian-French co-production Bacurau (2019) and its narrative turns I spoiled for myself; the best way to experience would be to go in knowing nothing. Opening with the return of Teresa (Barbara Colen) to the (fictional) village of Bacurau in the dusty countryside of Serra Verde in Brazil in time for the funeral of the town’s 94 year old matriarch, Carmelita. The film starts off as an observational drama as we are introduced to the residents and their inter-relationships. As the slow burn narrative develops, there are insertions of an overseer presence, strange omens that give way to bloodshed and violence, and recognisable genre terrain is incorporated into the film’s aesthetic – the appearance of Udo Kier in a supporting role, the use of a John Carpenter synth track during a tense sequence . Even though Bacurau becomes something else, a modern day western, it still remains true to its initial observational tone and established themes, presenting a satisfying vision of community and resistance against corrupt, colonial forces. The cast is great including Sonia Braga as the formidable alcoholic town doctor, Thomas Aquino as a man with a dual identity (and a criminal history), Wilson Rabelo as Teresa’s school-teacher father, and Silvero Pereira as a wanted bandit. All the supporting parts are memorably etched, right down to the jaunty troubador with his guitar (Rodger Rogerio). Directed and written by Kleber Mendonca Filho and Juliano Dornelles. Recommended.
VHS Tracking 