Advent of Maria

Vinícius Machado certainly knows how to stretch a story...the first 50 minutes or so could have been easily told in 5 minutes. Every scene is protracted to breaking point.

Nothing really happens...and, when something does happen, it happens off-screen!

The religious content is overbearing...but, it does - eventually - lead to what could have been the clash/conflict [of minds and ideologies] that this film so desperately needed. But, frustratingly, it was more of a damp squib than an explosion...with religion being mighty silent [for a change!].

Then...after all that wasted time...it really does explode! Culminating in a scene that really stands out - a father washes his child! It's beautiful...and could have lasted longer!

Advent of Maria had all the ingredients to be more than it is. Maria Eduarda Maia delivers a fantastic performance - as do all the other actors. The aunt and cousin get short shrift...sadly, a subplot that could have exploded right before our very eyes...but, it just simply disappeared.

Knowing the importance of a good script editor...[always] makes for a better film. As well-intentioned as it is, mismanagement let it down. Shame, the potential, the ideas and on-screen talent were all there.

Trailer...