Written and directed by Marco Calvani, this film follows a gay Brazilian man working under the table one summer in Provincetown, Mass.
Finding and securing a sense of belonging is at the heart of “High Tide.” This poignant film, written and directed by Marco Calvani, highlights the life that Lourenço (Marco Pigossi) strives to protect as a gay Brazilian in the United States.
Newly dumped by his boyfriend, Lourenço is suddenly alone for the summer, working under the table in Provincetown, Mass., on a tourist visa. In this gay haven, he is far away from his religious mother, whom he isn’t out to. (On a video call, she questions whether he has a photo of Jesus in his bedroom.)
The cinematographer, Oscar Ignacio Jimeñez, shoots Provincetown — a “beautiful bubble,” as Lourenço calls it — as if it is wrapping its cleansing shores and cozy cottages around Lourenço, who makes ends meet by cleaning houses.
Kindness and community flourish through compassionate figures, including Lourenço’s protective landlord (Bill Irwin) and a free-spirited artist (Marisa Tomei, also an executive producer) whom he befriends while working on a painting job at her house. At the beach, he hits it off with a nurse from New York named Maurice (James Bland), one of the few Black tourists in the mostly white town.
Even though it’s unclear whether Lourenço will return to rural Brazil, the thought haunts him throughout his visit. With his exceptionally lived-in performance, Pigossi brings Lourenço’s heartbreaking emotions to life, making even the script’s contrivances feel natural.
His eyes alone are evocative, like flickering bulbs fighting to stay lit.
High Tide
Rated R for language, club drugs, nudity and steamy sex. Running time: 1 hour 41 minutes. In theaters.
Source: Movies - nytimes.com
