‘The Blue Trail’ Imagines A Brazil Where Getting Old Is Treated Like A Crime

A hit at the recent Spanish & Latin American Film Festival, The Blue Trail is directed by Gabriel Mascaro and has received 12 nominations at the Brazilian Academy awards.

The story imagines a near-future Brazil where the government decides the elderly no longer contribute economically. Tereza, a 77-year-old woman who has worked two jobs all her life and raised a daughter has been notified by the government that she must relocate to an isolated housing colony where the elderly go to enjoy the remainder of their lives.

The elderly are classed as the living heritage for all the years they have served their country. But Tereza questions; when was getting older an honour? The government wants her to rest and it’s not a choice.

However, Tereza has other ideas as there’s so much more she wants to experience in life. She endeavours to fight the system and decides to journey down the rivers of the Amazon which ultimately has a positive effect on her life.

Audiences should be spellbound by the impulsive nature of this woman who defies and constantly outruns the law enforcers and snitches. The film focuses on the misadventures she experiences alongside the people she meets.

Brazilian actress Denise Weinberg delivers an extraordinary performance as the rebellious and highly resourceful Tereza. Vastly unknown to Australian moviegoers, she has performed extensively in Brazilian theatre, cinema and television and has also won the coveted Brazil’s Grande Premio do Cinema Brasileiro.

Audiences should warm to Tereza and triumphantly cheer as she evades the government orders. What gives credence to this film is that all the characters seem like real people who aren’t acting and not working to a script. Real people living in a reimagined near future where the elderly have been stripped of their civil rights, forced to wear diapers, discriminated against and their freedom to live normal lives abolished.

There are gleeful moments with slightly cheeky vibes as the mischievous Tereza evades surveillance and embarks on her next misadventure. The story then jolts to one of astonishment and disbelief.

This narrative is an eye-opener – could this near-future Brazil become a reality where the elderly have no rights, must carry papers and be constantly monitored by family who themselves seem like law enforcers?

The Blue Trail is a unique film. The mesmerising cinematography captures the picturesque beauty of the rivers and tributaries of the Amazon and the breathtaking crimson sunsets. Despite the dark premise it’s about one woman’s insistence to joyously live freely and equally.

Audiences should be totally overwhelmed – it’s tender, uplifting and at times wonderous. It’s the style of film where you wish there was more.

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The Blue Trail is in cinemas  from July 30.