Brazilian Erotic Thriller ‘The Riverbank’ Boarded by Premium Films, MPM Premium Ahead of Locarno Competition Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

Brazil’s cinematic landscape has long been characterized by vibrant creativity and a willingness to tackle tough subjects head-on. The upcoming Locarno Film Festival will see the world premiere of Matheus Farias and Enock Carvalho’s “The Riverbank,” an atmospheric erotic thriller that explores the complex, often corrupt ties between evangelical churches and politics in Brazil.

On the surface, the film’s themes may seem disparate – the tangled web of desire and danger in Recife’s mangrove forests, the systems of domination that govern this world, and the intricate dance of power and control. However, as Farias and Carvalho’s vision unfolds, it becomes clear that these elements are not merely genre-bending; they’re a deliberate attempt to expose the invisible structures underpinning Brazilian society.

As Brazil gears up for its presidential election in October, “The Riverbank” arrives at a moment of heightened attention around Brazilian cinema. The film’s release is part of a broader movement to reclaim the country’s cinematic narrative from authoritarian ideologies. By tackling themes shrouded in fear and repression, Farias and Carvalho are creating a new kind of resistance cinema – one that refuses to shy away from Brazil’s harsh realities.

The film’s setting – Recife’s mangrove forests, where reality and myth intertwine – serves as a potent metaphor for the country’s own entangled narratives. Izaquiel navigates this treacherous landscape with caution, confronting oppressive systems that govern his world. Farias himself has spoken about the personal connections he made with the film’s themes, having spent two decades within an evangelical church before leaving and suffering its consequences.

Farias’ experience underscores “The Riverbank” as a visceral, often disturbing portrait of Brazil’s turbulent present. By exploring the intersection of desire, fear, and enchantment, Farias and Carvalho are attempting to create a new kind of cinematic language – one that blends genre-bending with emotional depth and refuses to shy away from complexities.

The co-production with German companies raises questions about international collaboration in shaping Brazil’s cinematic narrative. Some view this as cultural imperialism, while others see it as an opportunity for creative exchange and growth. As “The Riverbank” prepares to premiere at Locarno, it will be interesting to see how this complex web of influences plays out on the screen.

“The Riverbank” is more than just a film – it’s a reflection of Brazil’s cinematic tradition, built over many decades in Recife and across the country. Farias and Carvalho are refusing to be bound by genre or convention, pushing the boundaries of what Brazilian cinema can do. By doing so, they’re creating a new kind of resistance – one that refuses to shy away from complexities.

As Brazil prepares for its presidential election this October, “The Riverbank” will serve as a potent reminder of the country’s cinematic potential. Will it spark greater curiosity about other films being made in Recife and across Brazil? Only time will tell – but one thing is certain: Matheus Farias and Enock Carvalho have created something remarkable, a film that ripples through a turbulent time with courage, creativity, and a refusal to back down.