Who's in It: Fernanda Montenegro, Fernanda Torres
The Basics: Three generations of women get stuck in the Brazilian desert. And by desert, I don't mean cute, hippie, New Mexico-ish desert with adorable prairie dogs and cacti. This place is worse than Tatooine.
What's the Deal? Let's say you grew up in a desolate, remote area and you dreamed of getting out; it took years, but you finally did it. Remember how frustrated you were, and you thought you'd lose your mind if you didn't get out? Well, multiply that by 60 years and that's how much mind-losing goes on in this film. It's the most gorgeous example of sun-baked misery you'll see at the movies this year. Maybe last year, too. OK, probably next year, too, now that I'm really thinking it through.
Great Moments: Early in the movie — during the part that's set in 1910 — it's really jarring to see the two leading women struggle to even move around in their Victorian outfits while the harsh desert swirls around them. And then later, in 1969, when the grandchild describes the moon landing to her uncomprehending mother, the sadness comes full circle.
Cinematography-Heads, Here's One for You: If you sat through all of Lady in the Water just because you wanted to look at what awesome camera-pointer Christopher Doyle did to it, then you'll be happy to know that in this film, the beautiful cinematography is attached to an actual good movie.
Why They Look Alike and Are Able to Switch Roles in the Same Movie: Because Brazilian actresses Fernanda Montenegro (an Oscar nominee for Central Station) and Fernanda Torres are mother and daughter off-camera, too.