Starring: Ayomi Domenica Dias, Loro Bardot, Grace Passô, Gláucia Vandeveld, Rômulo Braga
Director: Lillah Halla
Country: Brazil
UK Distributor: AX1 Films
In an arresting debut from Lillah Halla, we meet Sofia (Dias), the 17 year-old star player of a community volleyball team, run by a visionary coach (Passô) and filled with players from across the spectrums of gender and sexuality. Spotted by a talent scout, Sofia is on the verge of her breakthrough into professional sport, only to discover that she is pregnant. With abortion illegal in Brazil, Sofia must go to extremes not to jeopardise her chance, only to come up against a fanatical pro-life group that seem intent on bringing her down.
A scathing commentary on laws that prevent women from making choices about their own bodies, this is Vera Drake for the Roe vs. Wade generation. Sofia is a compelling protagonist and it’s evident that this chance is the only one she will ever get, so her motives are clear for putting her own future first. She’s not the victim of rape or incest, but only a young person whose entire future relies on this nodal point in her teenage years.
This is heavy stuff, but yet it’s told against the backdrop of a vibrant community full of energetic young people who celebrate life, love and diversity. Their team consists of people from all walks of life and their love for each other is clear, pulling together to support their sister. But yet nothing they can do can tackle the laws working against Sofia.
With snappy editing, a buoyant palate and an indelibly fun soundtrack, this is a film that’s equal parts youthful optimism and astute political commentary. It looks and sounds fantastic, popping from the screen with a sanguine brightness that’s symptomatic of an ingénue director unjaded by the movie industry. Halla’s voice is razor sharp, crafting a sports movie that’s more moral parable than anything to do with volleyball. And Sofia’s story is an arresting vessel for it.
UK Release: 29th November 2024 in cinemas and VOD, released by AX1 Films
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