Last year, many film critics complained about the fact that the last edition of the prestigious Berliniale had little to offer. However, you always find little gems on every festival and Praia Do Futuro by Karim Ainouz, who previously made Madame Sata and The Silver Cliff, is such a gem. This quirky arthouse film was programmed at the LGBT Pinx-festival in Ghent (Pinx).
The title refers of course to the beautiful Brazilian beach in the early scene of this drama, but the meaning of the Portuguese words play an important role too. A romance on "the beach of the future" arises, but the key question is whether the relationship itself has a future.
The film begins with the uplifting electro beats of Suicide’s Ghost Rider. Two bikers have the time of their life, but a few hours later disaster strikes. One of the two is swimming in a dangerous part of the sea and is carried away by the waves. Lifeguard Donato (Wagner Moura) is doing everything to save the young man's life, but it is too late. Konrad (Clemens Schick) collapses mentally and falls (literally and figuratively) in Donato’s arms. A tragedy that brings two lovers together, but there is more. Donato likes Konrad, but he is obliged to follow him to the ultramodern Berlin.
There is clearly something happening on two fronts. Cinematographer Ali Olcay Gozcaya has the ability to create beautiful images of both the metropolis Berlin and the exotic Brazilian beach. But of course there is the story itself, that was written by Karim Ainouz and Felipe Braganca. The two not only have to fight against the prejudices of their love, there is also the difference in culture, and especially the fact that Donato has no future in Berlin. And then there is his brother who shows up eight years later at the Alexanderplatz.
Praia Do Futuro is a film with few words. There is no need to, as the emotions and images speak for themselves. When after 90 minutes Heroes by David Bowie blasts out of the speakers, you know that Donato and Konrad are heroes too...