Liquid Truth (Aos Teus Olhos) 2017
Distributed by Pragda, 302 Bedford Ave., #136, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Produced by Carolina Jabor, Leonardo M. Barros, Renata Brandão, and Maria Amelia M. P. Leão Teixeira
Directed by Carolina Jabor
Streaming, 90 mins
College - General Adult
Family, Physical Education, Sexual Abuse
Date Entered: 05/15/2020
Reviewed by Ray Boucher, Lecturer of Theater and Film (SUNY Buffalo State, SUNY Geneseo, GCC, NCCC) and actorLiquid Truth, directed by Carolina Jabor, is the best kind of mystery: one that presents the audience with plausible possibilities, but no answers. It is a profile of a swim teacher who has been accused of misconduct by his young student, the student’s estranged parents, and a program manager, all grappling with the difficulties of navigating the most sensitive of subjects. There is an emotional toll on all of them; and the audience is allowed to both sympathize with and villainize the actions of each.
The performances, particularly by Daniel de Oliveira and Marco Ricca, are compelling and complex. What is boiling under the surfaces of each of the characters is both enigmatic and relatable. Presented in Portuguese with English subtitles, none of the subtleties of the performances nor the story are lost due to language. There is some nudity and sexual content, but the film could be a good conversation starter for students of education, child psychology, and criminal justice.
Awards:
Winner of Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival: Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Screenplay, Audience Award for Best Film