Three Summers

(Brazil, France / 2019 / Directed by Sandra Kogut)

Showcasing the rare talents of Brazilian acting legend Regina Casé, the latest feature from director Sandra Kogut (Campo-Grande) is a savvy comedy about class disparity and the infinite resourcefulness of those who can never take anything for granted.

Madá (Casé) is a fifty-something caretaker for a cluster of luxury beachside condos owned by a wealthy Rio de Janeiro family. Unfolding over the course of three consecutive summers, the film follows as she invests in a roadside snack kiosk while tending to the needs of her condescending employers, becomes a bystander in a major money-laundering scandal, and eventually launches a whole new career. With every turn of events, Madá manages to retain her high spirits, her sense of loyalty to those who deserve it – and her eagle eye for opportunity. Buoyed by masterful comic timing from Casé, whose characterization of Madá strikes an irresistible balance of naiveté and cleverness, Three Summers is a beacon of optimism and vivacity in a time when affluent malfeasance seems ubiquitous.

Unrated / 1 hr 34 mins.