About Us

About Us is a 2017 Brazilian film, a compelling drama layered with emotional depth and distinctive character development that leaves a lasting impression on its audience. Directed by Mauro Carvalho and Thiago Cazado, the movie features talented performances from Thiago Cazado, Rodrigo Bittes, and Carmem Moretzsohn. With its thoughtfully crafted narrative, About Us delves into universal themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance, treating each topic with sensitivity while providing a unique perspective.

The story unfolds around the central figure, Diego (played by Thiago Cazado), a young and charismatic man navigating life's ups and downs. As with many of us, his life seems to be a carefully balanced mix of personal dreams, relationships, and the uncompromising reality of societal expectations.

Diego shares his picturesque rural home with his close confidant and roommate, Rodrigo Bittes (Henrique). Their friendship is an essential element of the film, serving as a platform for exploring the broader themes within the story. Although content with his life, Diego finds his world shaken when he develops unexpected feelings for Henrique.

The movie admirably portrays their struggles, with Cazado and Bittes delivering earnest performances that bring their characters to life in all their complexities. They portray a tangible tension, a push-and-pull of uncertainties, fears, and secret desires that are at once relatable. Unrequited love, hidden passions and the fear of ruining a cherished friendship are all realities they grapple with.

Amid this emotional storm, another pivotal character enters the story - Maria, played by the seasoned actress, Carmem Moretzsohn. Maria’s entry stirs the subplot and influences the course of the main narrative, adding another dimension to the story and its characters. She reflects an older generation's outlook and struggles to understand the confounding dynamics between Diego and Henrique.

Set against the serene Brazilian landscape, the gentle rhythm of country life is used as a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The cinematography is aesthetic and arresting, capturing the simplicity and beauty of rural Brazil while paralleling the complex and tumultuous inner lives of its characters. The lush green fields contrast sharply with the characters' internal turbulence, evoking a sort of tranquility that the main characters clearly crave.

The film adeptly uses silence and dialogue to bring depth to its characters and the narrative. Conversations and exchanges pepper the plot, serving not just as a means to move the story forward, but to flesh out the characters and their relationships. Every dialogue is meaningful, providing a glimpse into the characters' minds, their desires, fears, and philosophies. In contrast, the silences, filled with glances and raw emotions, often speak louder than words, offering an intimate look into the characters' internal worlds.

Furthermore, the original score amplifies the movie's emotional depth. The music evokes the story's essence, effectively facilitating the narrative by setting the mood and tone. It's harmonious, easy on the ears and emotionally charged synchronizing perfectly with the plot's rhythm.

About Us is a film that offers commentary on the many dichotomies of real-life relationships, from acceptance and rejection to love and fear. It encourages its audience to question society's ingrained values and expectations while exploring the basic human desire for companionship and understanding.

Overall, About Us is a poignant film experience that doesn't shy away from the confusion and beauty of human emotions. It manages to capture the complexities of relationships in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner, making it an engaging watch for anyone interested in the intricacies of human emotion and personal discovery. While it may be a quiet, contemplative film, About Us makes its voice heard - a testament to the beauty of storytelling that explores the diversity of human experience.