Brazilian filmmaker Karim Aïnouz, known for his films imbued with dramatic tension, returns with Motel Destino, a psychological thriller set on the northeast coast of Brazil. The drama stars Iago Xavier as Heraldo, a young man whose arrival in an isolated motel upsets a place already steeped in dangerous games of desire and power. With Nataly Rocha and Fábio Assunção at his side, this closed-door affair promises to shed light on the darkest aspects of the human soul. The film, co-written by Wislan Esmeraldo and Maurício Zacharias, has already caused a sensation by being presented in Official Competition at the Cannes 2024 Festival, attracting critical attention for its oppressive atmosphere and exploration of destructive desire.
Motel Dest ino will be available in theaters from December 25, 2024.
Synopsis: Ceará, northeast coast of Brazil. 30 degrees all year round. Every night, at Motel Destino, dangerous games of desire, power and violence are played out in the shadows. One night, the arrival of young Heraldo upsets the motel's rules.
Motel Destino should appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and intense dramas, with a suffocating atmosphere and characters facing moral dilemmas. Fans of Karim Aïnouz, who already appreciate his works such as The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão or The Queen's Game , will find here again his ability to deal with complex themes linked to sexuality and power. What's more, the film, set in a tropical setting, attracts with its visual contrasts between the beauty of nature and the darkness of human relationships, recalling works such as Jacques Audiard's Un prophète for its exploration of violent microcosms. On the other hand, those who prefer lighter tales or those less focused on human psychology may find Motel Destino too oppressive.
With Motel Destino, Karim Aïnouz delivers an intense dramatic thriller, where the exotic setting of northeastern Brazil becomes the stage for dangerous passions and subterranean violence. In competition at Cannes 2024, this film is sure to attract the attention of arthouse film buffs and viewers looking for dark tales exploring the gray areas of human relationships. If you're a fan of psychological films and stifling closed-door situations, this feature promises to offer a disturbing and captivating experience.
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