An Exploration of Emotional Transitions
Included in the national competition of IndieLisboa, “According to love” by director Rodrigo Braz Teixeira portrays the complex dynamics of young adults experiencing emotional shifts. The film explores the tension between connection and distance, showing that love is often governed by nuanced feelings rather than clear-cut resolutions. By focusing on the characters’ evolving relationships over a summer, the narrative revolves around personal growth and relational transformation, guiding viewers through the characters’ journeys with authenticity and depth.
Portraying Emotional Transitions
In “According to love” Rodrigo Bras Teixeira aimed to capture the fragile space between connection and distance, emphasizing the importance of spontaneity and realness. Shooting scene by scene and embracing an experimental method enabled the director to reflect these transitions authentically. The sensitivity of the actors and the visual style complement the narrative.
Constructing Realism and Intimacy
“According to love” creates a sense of observational intimacy, immersing audiences in the characters’ lives and emotional states. Filipe Cates, who plays Filipe, adds that the narrative, built around the characters’ perspectives, created the conditions to foster trust and familiarity among the actors. The camera’s positioning, often below the characters, adds to the feeling of closeness and authenticity. Subtle gestures, conversations, and the unspoken understanding between characters, emphasizes that love’s influence is often felt in quiet, everyday moments. Ultimately, the film demonstrates that love is never static, but it evolves alongside us, shaping the stories we tell about ourselves.
Plot
Saura, Filipe, João, Beatriz, Rita, and Marchana share a language of their own, built upon the pains of growing up and the uncertainties of adulthood. During the summer, Saura and Filipe, once deeply connected, begin to drift apart. As they try to understand what remains between them, their language changes, and with it, the group of friends they share.