Brazilian ‘Divine Love’ Depicts a Futuristic Take on Religion and Relationships

Ulises Duenas

 

Divine Love

Country: Brazil

Director: Gabriel Mascaro

Outsider Pictures

 

The concept of “Divine Love” refers to the love one gives to or receives from God. It is unconditional and believed to possess the power to overcome any obstacle by those who have faith. This is the core theme in Gabriel Mascaro’s new film, “Divine Love” (Outsider Pictures), a work that follows the main character Joana as her faith in love is tested.

 

In a 2027 version of Brazil, there is a new movement sweeping a country -- one of using unconditional love to become closer to God. Joana works in an office that organizes divorces. She is also a devout follower of the “Divine Love” movement and wholeheartedly believes that love can overcome anything if someone is a true believer. It’s interesting to see the clash of the bureaucracy her work involves and the humanity she displays when talking to clients. She views any divorce as a tragedy since it’s a sign that love can also fail.

 

Joana works well as the focal point of the film. Her character is nuanced enough to carry the film through its 100-minute runtime, and Dira Paes puts in a great performance to make it all work.  She regards the troubles of her husband’s infertility as trials set before her by God. It’s an interesting take on something that sounds like a story from the Bible.

 

 

“Divine Love” is labeled as a “futuristic erotic drama” -- evident by the abundant neon lights and sex scenes. Joana’s dedication to keeping married couples together doesn’t end in the office. She and her husband are a part of a secret group that is similar to an extreme marriage-counseling circle. They believe in “Divine Love” through God in the form of partner sharing. To them, sex outside of marriage is not a sin but a sharing of the gift of love. It’s these scenes that act as a thematic spearpoint that becomes a large point of the plot.

 

Despite its unorthodox plot and themes, “Divine Love” isn’t confusing and offers an interesting storyline and array of characters. The soundtrack and visuals help nail down the futuristic setting, and the plot is surprisingly engrossing. It’s not weird for the sake of being interesting or provocative; it simply raises interesting questions that leave the viewer curious to learn more.  

 

 

Author Bio:

Ulises Duenas is a contributing writer at Highbrow Magazine.

 

For Highbrow Magazine

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