High Tide

High Tide, written and directed by Marco Calvani and starring his husband Marco Pigossi, isn't just a film-it's a mirror. A soft, brutal one. The kind that doesn't flatter but tells the truth, gently, and then walks away before you can argue.

At 49, gay, and newly divorced, I didn't expect to be seen-really seen-by a film that moves this quietly. Pigossi's character floats through his life like a ghost haunting his own body, and I felt every second of it. I've been there. Frankly, I might still be there.

Calvani's script cuts with a poet's precision, carving out themes of shame, isolation, and the quiet cruelty of gay loneliness with zero melodrama and zero apologies. Pigossi, for his part, delivers a performance so naked and unguarded, it feels almost obscene that the Academy will likely ignore it.

This film doesn't beg for attention. It trusts you'll lean in. And if you do, you'll find something rare: a gay story told without polish or pretension, but with the kind of emotional architecture that stays with you for days.

We need films like High Tide. Not louder ones-truer ones.

One could drown in the sea of available titles to watch in the current cinema, yet Marco Calvani's 'High Tide', the story of a heartbroken Brazilian emigre in Provincetown on an expiring tourist visa so distinguishes itself from the other grains of sand on the beach as to reach terra firma. Beautifully shot and subtly acted, this film feels more like the work of a mature director, not a freshman debut. Provincetown, in its cedar-shingled and pea-gravelled splendor deserves a supporting actor credit for shedding her silvery New England light on the mortal proceedings. Bill Irwin and Marisa Tomei lead the pitch perfect cast, while the center of gravity, Marco Pigossi (Lourenco) so honestly inhabits his character as to make the film his documentary. James Bland's Maurice as the too-good-to-be-real love interest provides the plot propellant, but his meltdown for being mistaken as a total top just didn't ring so true. Bland's film presence is anything but, and his character more than redeems his missteps by the time all is said and done. Indulge this reviewer noting Maurice is from my hometown of Richmond. All understood, all forgiven.

'High Tide' is emotionally rewarding in its own right, but takes on additional gravity in the context of our immigration system and the new administration's plans to sink it. High tide indeed.

Just saw this at IFC in NYC to a packed house... Outstanding debut film by writer director Marco Calvani! Magnificent performances by Marco Pigossi (a star is born!) and James Bland and Bill Irwin!! Also Marisa Tomei shines! I'm blown away! Exceptional cinematography, editing and the music is sublime... I was moved to tears from start to finish, and even though it's a gay love story and I'm a straight woman I was completely Darwin in and touched and moved... Please go check it out! No surprise it's a New York Times Critics' Pick! Can't wait to see what Mr Calvani does next! Bravo bravo bravo!!!!!!

Marco Calvani captures the beauty and pain of a contemporary gay man ( Marco Pigossi) in Provincetown who is at a crossroads in his life. Excellent performances and never heavy handed, High Tide sensitively navigates the main character's journey and takes the audience along for the ride as it unfolds. Wonderful cast all around and great supporting performances from Marisa Tomei and Bill Irwin. The film has such a lush look about it as Ptown is clearly another character here. We get a sense that down this garden path is just one story of so many in this fascinating mysterious coastal town at the end of the world. Inspired and truthful, I thoroughly enjoyed being taken on this ride and very much look forward to where Calvani will go from here.

Don't want to add too many spoilers but it rings true to me- a man from another country who wants to be free to live his life truthfully and find love after a painful break up. But he's bound by family ties and tradition and struggling to fully come out to those he loves back home. Expectation, disappointment and regret. The shame of not being free to be totally open even in our time is fascinating. As much as society has changed - the pain and difficulties of coming out fully to one's self and one's family is still present. I appreciate seeing this captured so effectively as I often have this argument in life when people talk about how being gay isn't an issue anymore and that it's accepted everywhere.

As someone who had their own difficulties coming out years ago, and also as an actor who has played parts of men struggling with sexuality and identity it really resonated with me so I wanted to write a review here.

I hope the film gets the attention it deserves. I'm sure it will have a nice life on demand. Kudos to the filmmakers and casting and the work of Marco Pigossi who navigates the central role with such love and compassion and sensitivity. He and the director have created something really special in his performances.

"Director, you did an incredible job! A friend from Brazil recommended this film, and when I saw the trailer, I felt an instant connection - it was like my life was right there. With ADHD, it's hard for me to focus on movies, but this one completely captivated me. The authenticity and emotion you brought to the screen are impressive.

Marco Pigossi's performance in "High Tide" was widely praised! He's a talented actor who brought depth and nuance to the character of Lourenço. His portrayal of the complexities of love, identity, and vulnerability must have been compelling to watch. Congratulations!