A Wolf at the Door

A Wolf at the Door

Strange animal, this first ever full length film by Brazilian director Fernando Coimbra is. One moment it’s making us laugh at the despair of one character; the next it’s making us cringe in horror as that same character tries to rectify what was troubling him/her. Between drama, comedy, character study and then with about 10 minutes left suspense where it stays for good “A Wolf at the Door” balances itself with uncommon confidence, sending you out of the theater feeling ashamed for having laughed when the story wanted you to.

Co-written by its own director, the plot begins when Sylvia (Nascimento) goes to pick up her little daughter (Ribas) from school only to find that she left with a “neighbor.” Perplexed at who would have kidnapped her daughter whose parents aren’t rich the desperate woman tells the police her husband might be cheating on her, and soon enough he (Cortaz), Bernardo admits to having had an affair with young Rosa (Leal). After that, the detective in charge (Cazarré) interrogates all three until he finds out what really went on that day.

What makes “Wolf at The Door” so great is its ability to extract humor from a very serious situation. That being said though, this movie would not be half as good if not for performances by Leal, Cortaz and Nascimento. For example when we see through flashbacks that not only does Sylvia grow concerned about her daughter but becomes impatient with Bernardo too during times she starts suspecting his affair; Milhem Cortáz whom usually plays thugs/tough guys turns pathetic weak desperate man Bernardo into a character which we laugh at while understanding how serious things are happening around him

But really this movie belongs to Leandra Leal who creates such an impressively transformed character throughout this film; starting off as nothing more than casual fling slowly evolving into absolute obsession going through controlled passion and building up anger disappointment. Keeping her emotional psychological journey in mind at all times, the beautiful actress delivers most stunning performance during scene where after being beaten by lover she bursts out crying trembling with fear pain.

Leal has always been great actess but now she deserves to be recognized among Brazil’s best performers ever (and didn’t even mention anything about what she does towards end when “Fatal Attraction” Glenn Close meets Amélie Poulain without becoming caricature)

Photographed in a tight, suffocating manner by Lula Carvalho who is always competent, the film also uses a sad and dark color scheme that eventually becomes claustrophobic. Also, the narrative employs shots to communicate the story’s atmosphere without dialogue.

When Bernardo comes into view on the left side of the frame, looking off at something outside of the shot and appearing trapped while Rosa watches him from below on the right side, we understand their relationship instantly. Additionally though, small camera movements are made by Fernando Coimbra that unveil bits of truth underneath lies during “alternative” (or rather: incomplete) versions told by each character.

“Wolf at the Door” is an incredible movie which doesn’t give away anything with its final act where actions/temperaments must inevitably develop among characters but this is what makes it so good; therefore marking Fernando Coimbra as one director to keep an eye on closely.

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