Picking up the pieces of a shattered relationship

In his second and final feature film, Gerson Tavares once again explores the frailties of a loving relationship, but this time he adds a tragic event to the mix. "Antes, o Verão" ("Then, the Summer") is less existentalist than his previous film "Amor e Desamor" but the questionings revolving the ways of a relationship are also present. In, it, Luiz, a successful man (Jardel Filho) and his wife (Norma Bengell) are trying to save their marriage and family by spending the summer vacations in a beach house. The couple needs time and patience to solve things out after the woman find out about that the man had an affair with another woman (Gilda Grillo). But vacations are ruined when a mysterious man (Hugo Carvana) is found dead in the middle of the road. The man was a recurring figure in the area, so suspicious arise on Luiz into knowing if the wife is cheating on him, or what kind of secrets he has on the family.

The story isn't told in the way I described - it actually starts with the man being hit and run by a car - and Mr. Tavares goes in a secretive, thrilling and very engaging sucession of flashbacks that chronicle the family life, with the two young boys that befriend the neighbor Roberto (Victor Rossigneux), a quite mysterious teen on his own that isn't liked by the father/husband; the small problems in the house; and mostly the connection and disconnection of the main couple; the sudden visit of the man's lover; and also moving forward with Luiz trying to connect the pieces about the poor man's accidental (or not) death. And after all this new event, and that his wife might have a part in someone's death, is there a possible way for them to recover, to pick up the pieces of an already shattered relationship? Is love strong enough to survive infidelity, third parts involvement and other secrets?

Must say that the couple crisis wasn't all that interesting, it's all effervescent bits and pieces put together. But when added to the tragedy and the affair being revealed, things heat up for good. It's very easy to get invested in finding about the mystery man and his role in everything. Comes with a twist, somewhat distant to the couple situation. It answers a little, but not that much. A fine drama with a lingering enigma to be solved that leaves you uneasy, and the countless flashbacks make it all more special to watch. Could have used some extra minutes to provide more depth and some intriguing scenarios revolving the mischievous Roberto. He's shady, and there's a revelation about him later but I wonder about his first close interaction with the father. Was he seducing the older man? If so, with what purpose?

The acting is quite good, especially the great Jardel Filho. He carries the film as the story is seen through his point of view and memories (as he also remembers the family gatherings with his father-in-law, played by Paulo Gracindo), through many wrongs and rights, a strong sense of suspicious on everything and everyone, but you can feel that he's trying to do the right thing. Might not be the best husband, but he's definitely a good father. Won't say Bengell delivered something special as her expressions are all sad and similar. But her scenes after the accident are outstanding.

A small experience, but very enjoyable. A pity that the director never returned to feature films, cause he was good and knew how to make you involved with the characters and their humanity. 8/10.

Portuguese-language cinema, spanning Portugal, Brazil, and other Lusophone regions, focuses on history, cultural identity, and the struggles of ordinary people, often framed with poetic or allegorical storytelling. In Portugal, cinema has emphasized meditative pacing and philosophical depth, reflecting on memory and tradition. In Brazil, it has often been politically charged and socially vibrant, highlighting inequality and resilience while experimenting with popular and avant-garde forms.

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The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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A middle-aged man builds a summer house in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro. Married to a beautiful woman, father of two and successful career, the house is a symbol of his personal achievements. But as the wind, the salt and the sand threaten to invade the breaches of the house, their marriage begins to crumble. And like a bad omen, a mysterious murder takes place in the vicinity.

Jarbas Barbosa Produções Cinematográficas

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Victor Rossigneux in Antes, o Verão (1968)

Norma Bengell and Jardel Filho in Antes, o Verão (1968)

Antes, o Verão

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