Divine Love
Divine Love

Movie spotlight

Divine Love

2019
Movie
100 min
Portuguese

In 2027 Brazil, civil servant Joana mainly deals with divorce cases. As a member of a branch of evangelical Christians known as the Divino Amor group, she uses her position to offer a kind of physical therapy to couples who want to separate. Although Joana and her husband Danilo regularly consummate their marriage, neither her constant prayers nor any other methods of assistance seem to be able to fulfill their desire for a child.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes73%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users75%
Director: Gabriel MascaroGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In a near-future Brazil, a devout couple struggles to conceive a child, leading them to join a controversial evangelical church that offers divine intervention through intimate rituals. As they navigate the church's complex doctrines and practices, their marriage is tested by faith, desire, and the manipulation of spiritual leaders. The film explores themes of religious fervor, sexuality, and the search for belonging in a society grappling with faith and modernity.

Critical Reception

Divine Love received critical acclaim for its bold exploration of faith and sexuality, with praise for its striking visuals and powerful performances, particularly from Dira Paes. Some critics found its pacing deliberate, but most lauded its unique and provocative approach to complex themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique and provocative exploration of faith and desire.

  • Dira Paes delivers a compelling and nuanced performance.

  • Visually striking with a thought-provoking, albeit deliberate, narrative.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's originality and its willingness to tackle sensitive subjects like religion and sexuality. Many found it a thought-provoking and artistic cinematic experience, though some noted its intense themes could be challenging.

Awards & Accolades

Screened at the Berlin International Film Festival (Panorama), and won Best Film at the São Paulo International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Gabriel Mascaro drew inspiration for the film's themes from observing the rise of evangelical churches in Brazil and their influence on social and personal lives.

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