‘The Blue Trail’ Review: A Gorgeous Aquatic Road Movie That Turns the Amazon Into a Magical Escape From Exile to Freedom

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Movies depicting dystopian future scenarios are common, but it’s challenging to think of one that captures the exhilarating feeling of liberation quite like “The Blue Trail” (O Último Azul). Directed by Gabriel Mascaro, this creative tale is a bold challenge to ageism. The film features hallucinatory snails, rival tropical fish, and “wrinkle wagons” – trucks with caged flatbeds used to transport non-compliant elderly individuals, while children take pictures on their phones. The rebellious essence that gradually emerges in the 77-year-old protagonist mirrors the playful intrigue of the narrative in a film that balances the fantastical with the tangible aspects of real life.

In 2015, Mascaro made his international debut with the captivating “Neon Bull”, a thoughtful exploration of the fine border between man and beast that challenged traditional masculinity by portraying a unique family of cattle handlers traversing the rodeo circuit in Northern Brazil. This cowboy, who favored elegant perfumes and aspired to create women’s clothing, served as a defiance of gender norms, offering one of the most sensual, tender male characters on screen in the last decade.

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Mascaro gained international recognition in 2015 with the enthralling “Neon Bull”, a profound reflection on the subtle distinction between man and beast that questioned traditional masculinity by depicting an unconventional family of cattle handlers traveling the rodeo circuit in Northern Brazil. This cowboy, who preferred delicate fragrances and dreamt of designing women’s clothing, represented a challenge to gender stereotypes through one of the most sensuous, affectionate male characters seen on screen in recent years.

As a passionate admirer, I’m excited to share that the director, who originally made his mark in documentaries, unleashed “Divine Love” in 2020 – a biting satire that lays bare the troubling intersection of evangelical Christianity and extreme conservatism. This masterpiece targets religious hypocrisy and governmental overreach, casting a chilling vision of a future where procreation is politicized. It’s almost like J.D. Vance’s dream come true!

In Mascaro’s stories, bodies have often been a significant theme. This pattern persists in “The Blue Trail“, where the authority’s regulations strip Tereza (Weinberg) of ownership over her aged body. However, in a defiant gesture against oppressive rule, the director and co-writer Tibério Azul emphasize Tereza’s physical strength and her reawakened sensuality as she embarks on her transformative journey, celebrating these aspects instead.

Towards the movie’s finale, a stunning drone view captures an alligator gracefully sliding on an Amazon tributary’s surface. This scene signifies Tereza’s liberation in a subtle contrast to her initial circumstances, which saw her laboring at an alligator meat processing plant. The village where she resides is more like a makeshift settlement enclosed by factories.

As the movie nears its end, a breathtaking drone shot reveals an alligator gliding along an Amazon tributary. This image symbolizes Tereza’s liberation in a striking contrast to her early life, where she worked at an alligator meat processing plant. The village where she dwells is almost a shantytown, with factories encircling it.

Enthusiastic public announcements over loudspeakers and flags streaming from airplanes read, “The future belongs to all.” However, independent Tereza questions her role in that future. Far from pleased, she’s not excited about returning home to find government workers hanging golden wreaths above the door of her simple dwelling; they bestow upon her a medal labeling her as a “national living treasure.” “When did growing old become something to be proud of?” she grumbles, frowning.

At the age of 77, Tereza estimates she has approximately three more years until the government relocates her to the “Senior Settlement,” a secluded community intended for older citizens. This policy aims to alleviate the burden from younger generations, thereby fostering productivity and advancement.

The absence of those who were forcibly relocated from reappearing suggests a possible hidden instance of intergenerational eradication, although the narrative cleverly keeps its true intentions unclear. Scattered graffiti such as “Return my grandmother” and “Elders are not items to be traded” hint at internal strife within the population.

When Tereza is told by her workplace supervisor that she’s being forced to retire, she simultaneously discovers that the government has reduced the age for relocation from 80 to 75. During this transition period, Tereza’s daughter Joana (Clarissa Pinheiro) assumes the role of her legal guardian. Subtly, Mascaro highlights the irony that a woman who brought up her daughter single-handedly while juggling two jobs ends up losing her independence as her daughter receives subsidy payments.

Tereza has long harbored a desire to fly in an airplane, even going so far as to attempt buying a ticket at the airport for wherever the next flight is headed. However, due to strict monitoring and the prohibition of ultralight aviation, commercial flights, which are all government-controlled, are the only option available. Unfortunately, this becomes irrelevant when Joana refuses to approve her purchase.

Determined not to give up on her dream, Tereza secretly gives a portion of her savings to the suspicious riverboat captain Cadu (Rodrigo Santoro) for a journey along the Amazon River towards Itacoatiara, as there are whispers that she might find an unauthorized flight from there.

Initially, their conversations are brief and sharp, and he becomes defensive when she queries him. However, when a firework signal indicates a temporary road closure, they decide to park in a side-stream to pass the time. It’s here that Mascaro introduces an initial touch of magical realism, subtly altering the narrative’s direction. Memo Guerra’s music score also softens, mirroring the peaceful flow of the river.

On a buoyant inflatable raft, Cadu discovers a rare “blue slobber snail,” a creature known for producing a sky-blue mucus. Legend has it that this mucus, when applied as eyedrops, reveals one’s route to the future. Without delay, he decides to test it out.

Initially worried when the boatman comes down with a fever, Tereza listens as he confuses things, speaking vaguely about searching for his missing lover, the woman he let go years ago. Once given the signal that it’s safe to move forward, Cadu is too sick to navigate the boat, so he quickly teaches Tereza what she needs to know. In a crucial detail, he tells her that if she can handle one boat, she can manage them all.

A significant development takes place when she steps foot on land to examine a glider. The small plane is inoperable, yet Tereza negotiates with Ludemir (Adalino) to repair it at cost. He invites her to participate in a wagering game based on animal guesswork, mentioning that beginners usually triumph. She refuses his offer for now but retains the knowledge for future use, including the location of a gambling establishment, the Golden Fish, where substantial wealth can be amassed. An astonishing sequence unfolds at this venue, equally stunning in its beauty and brutality, as well as its peculiarity.

A challenge could potentially stop Tereza’s progress, but she has become more cunning in her survival skills, resulting in a maneuver that verges on absurdity. She also encounters Roberta (Miriam Socarrás), affectionately known as “The Nun,” a vibrant, free-spirited woman of around the same age who navigates a boat along the Amazon, peddling digital Bibles to unsuspecting river communities.

Throughout her voyage, Tereza continuously gathers wisdom that broadens her perspective. From Roberta, she discovers a possibility – people can purchase their freedom once they reach a certain age, thereby bypassing the Colony. When these inseparable companions stumble upon another blue slug secreting saliva, they simultaneously apply eyedrops, and Tereza’s future becomes more apparent as she learns to aspire for greater things.

As a captivated reader, I can’t help but be enthralled by the unpredictable narrative of this tale. It’s brimming with twists, from the startling to the hilariously absurd, yet it never slips into the saccharine. This enchanting quality is largely due to the exceptional performances, with Weinberg standing out among them all.

Tereza undergoes a profound transformation as she journeys on, becoming lighter in every sense – physically, mentally, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually. Yet, even though she’s an instinctive salesperson with the Bibles, she learns from Roberta that true faith lies in freedom.

The way Tereza reconnects with her body through spontaneous dance or a simple wash with a bucket and a ladle is nothing short of magical.

Socarrás is equally engaging, radiating bright eyes, a hearty laugh, and an infectious zest for life. Alongside Weinberg, they seem to energize each other in a delightful exchange of warmth that feels invigorating. It’s refreshing to witness Santoro toning down his charming screen presence, portraying a rugged character with dubious morals as a tough guy who has an unpredictable relationship with Tereza.

Mascaro’s films are renowned for his exceptional use of color and light, a trait clearly demonstrated in his debut project with cinematographer Guillermo Garza. The dense, almost radiant green jungles bordering the river, the pristine azure skies, and the mesmerizing, shimmering waves of the Amazon River with its sinuous bends are captivating. Filmed in a close 1:33 aspect ratio, the movie exudes an intimate feel that complements well its grand, natural landscapes.

In “The Blue Trail,” Mascaro doesn’t shy away from the ominous and grim reality of authoritarianism, but he presents it in a casual sci-fi manner, primarily through billboards and cheerful, yet propaganda-filled broadcasts. A humorous detail is the high-tech backpacks given to senior citizens bound for Colony, filled with adult diapers. What sets “The Blue Trail” apart and makes it so enjoyable is that amidst all the oppression, the film is full of hope and belief in human resilience at any age. The ending image will leave your heart uplifted, and no, it’s not the one you might anticipate.

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2025-02-18 04:55