A Deriva attempts to do something which very few films can pull off: capture a mood. But this film is able to meet the challenge thanks to the brilliant directing of Heitor Dhalia, Della Rosa's stunning photography and the wonderful acting, particularly of Debora Bloch and newcomer Laura Neiva (social networks are proving to be the casting agency of the future). The story revolves around a family at their beach house in the Brazilian resort town of Buzios. The plot of the film is not especially unique, it treats many classic issues that are all too common such as infidelity, children in the face of parental discord and coming of age. The film is seen through the eyes of teenager Felipa as she begins to learn about flirtation, the power of her femininity, her parents' marital tension and her father's trysts with a neighbor. Do not expect the originality that emerged from Dhalia's previous film, O Cheiro do Ralo. In fact, A Deriva demonstrates that part of Dhalia's genius is his versatility and ability to tackle very different genres with equal ability. This film does not contain the offbeat plot, quirky characters and dark humor of the director's earlier work. Instead it really puts you in the characters' minds and allows you to understand their emotions. To describe it would not do it justice, but it truly manages to recreate the vulnerability and curiosity of youth, the conflict between family love and amorous love, and the anguish of being unable to capture a perfection which sometimes seems so near. This film succeeds by combining breathtaking visuals with an attention to subtle details that appear as if they were improvised but were certainly planned as they are so essential to the film's ability to convey its theme. For instance, when a boy expresses his admiration for Felipa's beauty she makes a face of disgust which is followed by a brief smile that appears to emerge unintentionally. Or following a make-out session a teenage boy waits a few seconds before standing up, surely to conceal his excitement below. Since this film is more about mood than plot, it can be viewed many times and always reveal something different as the viewer continues to get acquainted with the characters.
