"A Dama do Estácio" ("The Lady from Estácio") can be viewed as a direct sequel to Leon Hirszman's classic film "A Falecida" ("The Deceased")
though it only works as such if you disconsider that movie's ending and imagine that Zulmira (Fernanda Montenegro, always phenomenal) have lived long enough to reach
old age yet her goal from that movie remained the same: she wants a coffin. Her obsession has no limits but things have changed: instead of being
a married woman as before, now she has become an old prostitute who lives with a trans woman (Rafael Souza-Ribeiro), and sometimes she has the
favors of some old men such as the funeral home owner (Nelson Xavier) and a worker from the place (Joel Barcellos, in his last film performance),
both present on the previous film. But will she get her wishes this time?
Eduardo Ades' short is an amazing tribute to a classic film which enchanted a whole generation, and this very film is not only a nostalgic
look back as it is a quite interesting piece where audiences are able to witness the glory of three veteran actors at the top of their game, plus
the two newcomers. This alternative universe of a movie is impecable, well humored and less bleak than the feature film. The immortal iconic image of
Dame Fernanda bathing herself in the rain gets a new reading yet it's the exact same feelings of fulfillment and liberty that she feels with such
act. A very pleasant surprise of a movie that does not betray the original work, based on a Noel Rosa song and Nelson Rodrigues play, and it becomes
a quite rich experience to be seen. 8/10.
