When we caught Brazilian writer-director Gabriel Mascaro latest, “Neon Bull,” at the Marrakech International Film Festival in December, it’s safe to say we were taken by it. “Remarkable and arresting,” in fact, were the words we used to describe it, as were “audacious,” “original” and “absorbing.” We also proclaimed it would give Brazilian movie star Juliano Cazarré the “launch onto a global international stage” he deserves. And such accolades are not singular to our site, it seems, based on the first trailer for Mascaro’s poignant drama. Indeed, several like-minded critics are celebrating the film’s rich, emotionally-gripping story in the first promotional materials for the upcoming foreign film.
READ MORE: Review: Gabriel Mascaro’s Remarkable, Arresting ‘Neon Bull’
Like a faded nightclub on a Thursday in the middle of the afternoon, it’s easy to see something both longing, aching, mildly charming, and sobering about this new film, the director’s follow-up to his dramatic feature debut, 2014’s “August Winds.” There’s a clear appreciation for space and intimacy, one that likely resulted in the poignancy revered by us and other critics during the festival circuits last year. And we do get to see glimpses of the Cazarré’s heart-wrenching performance that Katie Walsh praised in her review. “Neon Bull” appears to be kind of quiet, gently-paced movie that doesn’t usually make for a good trailer. So applause should also be directed at the editors of this trailer for appreciation the film’s subtexts, all while making "Neon Bull" look approachable, earnest, and drily funny — something generally worth seeking out when it drops next month. I know this movie is on my radar now, and I hope this trailer convinces you to have it on yours too.
Again, we’re already high on it. And you can determine for yourself whether or not such praise comes warranted when it makes its U.S. debut next month, starting on April 8th. Check out the first trailer below and let us know what you think of Mascaro’s newest film. Evidence suggests it’s going to spark a lot more chatter in due time.