In an intriguing collaboration, Brazilian director José Eduardo Belmonte reunites with actor Rodrigo Lombardi for their upcoming film “Em Suas Mãos” (In Your Hands). Following their successful partnership on the critically acclaimed series “Carcereiros” (Jailers), this new indie film promises to delve deep into societal themes with a fresh narrative lens. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, “Em Suas Mãos” is more than just a tale of vengeance; it mirrors the complexities of immigration and cultural identity in a world fraught with division.
The narrative centers on two Brazilian immigrants whose lives spiral into chaos following the murder of a family member. Their relentless pursuit of retribution becomes a metaphor for the broader existential crises many face when traditional systems of justice fail. Belmonte, speaking to Deadline, reflected on societal unrest during the period leading up to the film’s conception. “In 2018, we were living through an explosion of hatred and division,” he stated, emphasizing how these societal fissures influenced his creative process. This film emerges from a time marked by profound social challenges, making its themes particularly resonant and poignant.
The film’s storytelling is enriched by the inclusion of multiple languages—primarily English, but with segments in Portuguese and Spanish—capturing the multilingual experience of many immigrants. This linguistic diversity is reminiscent of the multifaceted narratives often found in immigrant stories, where language acts as both a barrier and a bridge. The script, co-written with screenwriter and Columbia University adjunct professor Fábio Andrade, weaves personal experiences with broader cultural themes, thus providing depth to the characters’ motivations and dilemmas.
Belmonte and Lombardi’s creative partnership runs deep, having forged a synergy during their time on “Carcereiros.” Lombardi’s portrayal in the series, where he played a correctional officer, revealed his capacity to engage with complex, morally ambiguous roles. Belmonte noted that their hands-on collaboration over three years allowed them to cultivate a mutual understanding and creative dialogue. “Rodrigo was the actor I worked with the most on set,” he remarked, laying the groundwork for this new project. “After the series, we thought a lot about working together again, but in a more intimate setting.” This speaks to their desire to evolve their collaborative framework, tackling themes that resonate on a personal level.
“Em Suas Mãos” is poised to push beyond the conventions of a revenge story. Belmonte elucidates that the film will engage with the loss of faith in institutional frameworks within a divided world. By intricately blending themes of family, immigration, and socio-political reflections, this project promises to explore the relatable struggles faced by many, inviting viewers to engage with these narratives in a meaningful, thought-provoking way. The synergy of Belmonte’s directorial vision and Lombardi’s performing prowess indicates that “Em Suas Mãos” is not merely a film but a cultural discourse that aims to provoke reflection and empathy in an increasingly fractured society.
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