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On this page: CHERRI | I AM GOING TO MISS YOU

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 1.Apr.26

Cherri
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

dir-scr Fabian Suarez
prd Mauricio Escobar, Camelia Farfan
with Juan Miguel Mas, Noslen Sanchez, Roberto Diaz Gomar, Gabriela Griffith, Veronica Diaz, Edith Massola, Williams Quintana, Leo Parlay, Ulises Gonzalez, Hector Tellez Jr, Barbara Llanes, Humberto Eiriz
release UK Mar.26 flare,
US 24.Apr.26
25/Cuba 1h17

Is it streaming?

There's an unusual optimism running through this Cuban drama, which centres around an overweight dancer who has absolutely no regrets. Cherri is a terrific, fully formed character who wins us over with his hopefulness and compassion, even if it sometimes feels misplaced according to society's rules. Actor Juan Miguel Mas and filmmaker Fabian Suarez have created something that's surprisingly thoughtful and tender, shattering stereotypes in the process.

In Havana, Cherri (Mas) is the sole carer for his ageing boyfriend Luis (Gomar). He is also choreographing a performance for his obesity therapy group, run by Dr Cristina (Diaz). But Cherri is distracted by his crush on tough-guy security guard Tim (Sanchez), who stores his stolen goods in Cherri's house and treats him with harsh disdain, especially in sexualised scenarios that Cherri pays for. His rock chick friend Neri (Griffith) helps him care for Luis during all of this. But she worries that Cherri's obsession with Tim is going to cause some bigger problems.

Skilfully shot in a range of intriguing locations, the film reveals a gritty side of Cuban society without judgement. These people are simply living their lives and building strong communities, regardless of whether the wider culture accepts them. And at the centre, it's refreshing to see that Cherri is unusually self-assured about who he is, how he looks and what he wants. His tender care for Luis is lovely to watch, as is the way he looks out for everyone around him, including someone who seems to be using him.

Mas plays Cherri with a terrific complexity. He seems most at ease when he's on his own, quietly watching others or performing solo dance moves. His diva-like outbursts are hilariously tetchy, and he sometimes crosses a line with someone close to him, requiring a humble reconciliation. Griffith has the strongest supporting role in this sense. And Sanchez also surprises us by revealing emotions under Tim's hard exterior.

As writer and director, Suarez refreshingly refuses to follow the usual rules of storytelling, so it feels like the film is taking us on an unpredictable journey into a wondrous time and place. And there are so many resonant elements along the way that we can't help but get involved, seeing ourselves in people who gently go against the grain. Along the way, we find ourselves worrying about Cherri when he makes a dodgy decision. But he's not worried at all.

themes, language, violence 27.Mar.26 flare

I Am Going to Miss You Eu Vou Ter Saudades de Você
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

I Am Going to Miss You
dir Daniel Ribeiro
scr Alice Marcone, Daniel Ribeiro
prd Diana Almeida, Daniel Ribeiro
with Alice Marcone, Gabriel Lodi, Luca Scarpelli, Maite Schneider, Daniel Veiga, Leona Jhovs, Rodolpho Correa, Anna Celestino Mota, Jhonna Bao, Clodd Dias, Olivia Lopes, Nick Marinho
release UK Mar.26 flare
26/Brazil 1h27

Is it streaming?

Inventive Brazilian filmmaker Daniel Ribeiro audaciously twists the soapy romantic drama genre by casting every role with a trans actor, whether or not they're playing trans characters. As a result, the film makes an important political statement simply by its very existence. It's also an involving story of a couple that realises that perhaps they have grown in different directions, even though they still love each other deeply.

In Sao Paulo, Amanda (Marcone) and her boyfriend Caio (Lodi) start a new chapter by moving in together. Amanda begins working in a law firm, while Caio produces a popular radio show and hopes to get his own slot. Then Amanda begins flirting with her colleague Joao (Scarpelli), withholding details of a New York work trip just as Caio's boss (Veiga) offers him a job in Rio. Then Caio discovers that he's pregnant, turning to his mother (Schneider) for support. And the lingering question is whether Amanda and Caio can overcome their web of miscommunication.

Because the film opens with Amanda and Caio moving out of their flat, we know where this story is headed. Their love story plays out with the standard elements, including sudden surprises, sneaky infidelity and quite a few painfully emotive explosions. And there's also a lot of jaggedly hilarious comedy, as even the smaller side characters speak with honesty that can be both compassionate and amusingly catty. A couple of big karaoke moments add gorgeous textures.

The extraordinary ensemble brings these people to life with unusual nuance, creating characters with their own inner lives. With strong moments of their own, there's a real sense that each of them is on a separate journey. Marcone's Amanda may be the architect of this couple's collapse, but she plays the role sympathetically, helping the audience understand her decisions. And her connection with Lodi's cheeky, charming Caio is beautifully played, with a real sense both of their deep connection and ongoing lustiness after seven years together.

Because of the knotted plotting, the film sometimes feels a bit melodramatic, veering sharply from bouncy comedy into more wrenching emotional scenes. But Ribeiro and Marcone's script is careful to avoid creating a villain. Everyone makes mistakes, and relationships evolve over time. What doesn't change is the sense of family between this wider group of people who rely on each other to face whatever the world throws at them. And with this wonderfully singular cast, that idea comes through with unexpected resonance.

themes, language, sexuality 27.Mar.26 flare

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL