Cousins
2019 · Directed by Mauro Carvalho, Thiago Cazado
Original language: Portuguese
- comedy
- romance
- drama
The story
Lucas is a young man who lives with his religious aunt Lourdes in a quiet country town. He helps his aunt by holding religious meetings with the ladies of the area, in the living room, playing biblical songs on the keyboard. This quiet life will end as soon as the charitable aunt communicates the arrival of another nephew, Mario, just out of jail. The clash of reality between the cousins ends up causing unusual situations, and an unexpected attraction among the boys.
What it’s like
Domestic and intimate, with much of the action set in a small-town living room where a circle of women gathers around a keyboard to sing hymns. The mood is light and comic, with an undercurrent of tenderness and unease as an ordinary, quiet routine is disrupted by an arrival. Its register shifts between teasing humour, sincere family drama and a slowly building romance, and its people are shaped by the pressure of a conservative household and a town where everyone is watching. The arc centres on two young men from the same family learning to recognise their feelings for each other, and the story's coming-of-age and coming-out themes give it a hopeful, bittersweet rhythm. It suits a relaxed evening in or a comfort watch when you want something warm and character-driven, with a sense of small-town Catholic life. It is best for viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong family dynamics and a gentle queer romance at their core.
More films like Cousins
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Cousinsand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
