Cousins

When opportunity knocks, would we recognize that sound and then invite it in? In the cute, coy case of "Cousins," the opportunity coming Lucas' way already has a pre-arranged invitation to stay for a few days - in his bedroom. He's a previously-unmentioned cousin. Although very shy, Lucas is ready, willing, and ably welcoming. Enter intriguing, swaggering, grateful Mario, who is more comfortable in his own skin - all of which is on display within minutes of his arrival when he asks to take a shower and doesn't wait for Luca to exit the bathroom he's escorted him to. Oh, and it won't be the first time. Is Mario merely uninhibited, or calculatingly seductive? He's just out of jail for initially unrevealed reasons, and that's unsettling, so there are issues of trust and potential lust as the apparently entranced Lucas steals glimpses. Sparks seem to fly as they break the ice and things then warm up. (The dialogue is in Portuguese, with English subtitles, in this nicely paced, entertaining film).

Conveniently, the ultra-religious mutual aunt normally sharing the house happens to (conveniently) be traveling, so, while that cat's away, these mice will, well, play. At first, it's just playing card games and playing music, but then come some mind games and other activities that are music to a sheltered fellow's ears.

The developing connection between the guys is rewardingly, episodically built. There is increasing chemistry and warmth in the naturalistic acting by the two leads, both of whom have smiles and eye contact that say a whole lot.

While it can often feel like the story is seen through the point of view of Lucas (played by the endearing Paulo Sousa), the warm-spirited movie was written and co-directed by the actor playing the magnetic Mario (a casually commanding Thiago Cazado, sharing director credit with cinematographer Mauro Carvalho). Some plot elements and other characters aren't as convincingly drawn. Auntie has three main modes: Devoutly religious, protective, and fretting (about finances). Dog-owning neighbor Emilio, later filling a key story function, gets little development. Church members make for mob mentality. There's some overplayed comic relief with an infatuated neighbor girl following Lucas like a puppy - and, later, like a bloodhound: Endlessly staring, stalking, and stumbling in attempts to attract and distract him in music lessons.

Mixing the predictable and unpredictable, "Cousins" has a tender heart and free spirit, keeping attention, with life-affirming sensibilities.

"Cousins"
DVD
$24.99
www.tlareleasing.com/films/cousins/