Cousins

Cousins is a Brazilian film released in 2019 that adds a fresh and unique spin to the traditional storyline of unexpected love and coming of age, immersing viewers into both the culture and landscapes of Brazil. The film stars Thiago Cazado, Paulo Sousa, and Juliana Zancanaro, and is directed by Mauro Carvalho and Thiago Cazado. It takes viewers on a journey that interlinks themes of love, family, struggle, acceptance, and self-identity.

The film centers on the story of a young man named Lucas, played by Paulo Sousa, who is forced to live with his distant cousin named Mario, portrayed by Thiago Cazado, due to a difficult situation at home. Lucas is a shy and introverted young man, in stark contrast to his audacious, outgoing, and open-minded cousin, Mario, establishing a yin-and-yang dynamic that accents the narrative arch of the film. As an openly gay man in Brazil's society, Mario's character immediately challenges some deep-seated prejudices that Lucas holds, creating an initial sense of tension and confusion for Lucas.

The chemistry between the main actors is palpable, and viewers can genuinely sense the confusion and curiosity that Lucas begins to experience when confronted with Mario's confidence and assuredness in his own identity. This distinct contrast between characters plays a pivotal role in the movie, acting as both a platform for character development and a catalyst for the unfolding narrative.

One of the film's main strong points lies in how it meticulously unravels Lucas's self-discovery journey. As Lucas gets a glimpse into his cousin's life, he is compelled to get out of his comfort zone and reconsider his perspectives on sexuality, love, and identity, navigating a path between personal self-discovery and societal acceptance, all while engaging in a life-changing relationship with his charismatic cousin.

The film is additionally spiced by the supporting role of Juliana Zancanaro, who plays Ana. Ana is Mario’s best friend and her character acts as a bridge and interconnector between Lucas and Mario. Her role provides a complementary perspective to the unfolding storyline and adds an additional layer to the film's exploration of friendship, love, and identity.

Cousins takes full advantage of its setting, showcasing the luscious green landscapes, vibrant city-life, and the rich culture of Brazil. The cinematography beautifully captures the colors and everyday life of Brazil, making it an integral part of the storytelling. The movie encapsulates the atmosphere of Brazil and engages the audience by creating an authentic and relatable environment.

A valiant feature of the film is its willingness to delve into societal issues head-on. It unflinchingly portrays the struggles associated with exploring one’s sexual identity within a conservative societal setting, striking a delicate balance between comedy, drama and romance.

Despite being tagged as a 'gay film', Cousins is more than just a movie about sexual orientation. It is a narrative about self-discovery and acceptance. It is about coming to terms with who you are, no matter how different that might be from how others perceive you, and finding beauty in acceptance. It reiterates the importance of embracing diversity, defying societal expectations and norms, and encouraging love in all its forms.

Cousins subtly breaks barriers of typical LGBT cinema, allowing the characters to build upon their relationships, instead of focusing solely on their sexual orientations. It is a heart-touching narrative that delivers universal appeal, seamlessly blending themes of personal growth, family dynamics, societal pressures, and, most importantly, love.

Overall, Cousins is an authentic and heartwarming tale of love and acceptance. Its strong performances, authentic storytelling, and captivating visuals form a narrative that overall celebrates acceptance and the power of transformative love. While its intention is not to preach, it nonetheless propels viewers to engage in conversations about acceptance and diversity - a testament to its depth as a coming-of-age drama. The distinct Brazilian flair, compelling cinematography, and significant societal commentaries set it apart as a noteworthy addition to contemporary global cinema.