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.
