Set against the backdrop of Provincetown’s beaches and streets, this film tells a poignant and heartwarming story about Lourenço, a young undocumented gay Brazilian counting down his last days in town before facing an uncertain future. It captures the melancholic essence of searching for love, grappling with loss, and confronting the unknown.
Lourenço arrives in Provincetown on a tourist visa, having come to the U.S. with his then-lover, Joe, who has since vanished and fallen out of love. Despite Joe’s absence, Lourenço continues to yearn for him, taking on house cleaning jobs to make ends meet. His landlord and neighbor, an older gay man, genuinely cares for him and looks out for him. While waiting for Joe, Lourenço meets Maurice, an attractive, soft-spoken Black nurse from Queens, who is in Provincetown for a brief stay before heading to a residency in Angola. Their connection deepens as they spend time together on the beach, drawn by a powerful physical attraction that is complicated by their individual anxieties. Their intimate scenes are steamy and beautifully shot, yet the question lingers: can they find a happy ending?
As the story unfolds, Lourenço learns that Joe has moved on and is getting married, sending him into a spiral of partying on the last night before Maurice leaves. This imminent breakup feels like a missed opportunity for a potentially great relationship. The film doesn’t conclude on a joyful note; instead, it leaves us uncertain about Lourenço’s fate in the U.S. However, by the end, he finds the courage to tell his mother back home that he won’t be returning.
The standout element of the film is the heartfelt performance by the actor portraying Lourenço. He masterfully conveys the character’s emotions, allowing the audience to deeply feel his struggles without overacting. His beautiful yet haunted expression reflects the turmoil of conflicted feelings, making his internal struggle palpable. While Maurice’s character feels somewhat underdeveloped, he adds a refreshing dimension to Lourenço’s otherwise gloomy daily life. The supporting characters, including Maurice’s friends and Lourenço’s caring landlord, provide a rich mix to the narrative.
At times, the film feels disjointed, resembling a collection of anecdotes rather than a cohesive story. Yet, considering this is the filmmaker’s debut, it’s an impressive effort. It’s fitting that a gay man seeking self-actualization and freedom of expression finds himself in a well-known gay neighborhood after being left by his American boyfriend. We need more films that spotlight the immigrant queer experience. Despite its flaws, this film is emotional, authentic, melancholic, and visually stunning.
