‘The Blue Trail’ Review: It’s Never Too Late to Find One’s Purpose, Preaches a Soul-Searching Septuagenarian

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In a genre blend of science fiction and folklore, Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro’s “The Blue Trail” offers a ray of hope within its bleak portrayal of the future. Filmed in Mascaro’s homeland, Brazil, and capturing the breathtaking yet decaying beauty of the Amazon rainforest in stunning high-definition, the movie revolves around Tereza (played by Denise Weinberg), a 77-year-old woman living in a society that views those over 75 as obstacles to its economic growth. However, Mascaro sees her differently, and so will the audience, by the end of this surprising tale – which becomes an exceptional South American boat journey film since “Fitzcarraldo.

The director of “Neon Bull” has an exceptional eye for visual storytelling, but his narratives often lack clarity. However, this is not the case with “The Blue Trail.” Just based on its premise, it could be categorized alongside films like “Children of Men” in video stores. But unlike Alfonso Cuarón’s ominous sci-fi thriller, “The Blue Trail” offers a warm and anti-ageist perspective. Instead of the grim atmosphere of “Children of Men,” this film evokes the optimistic vibe of “Cocoon.” According to Mascaro, our concern should be for the elderly, as oppressive forces have skillfully concealed their suppression.

The movie starts by showing indications of a propaganda system being activated, praising those who served their nation while emphasizing the need for them to be “guarded” – a term used to disguise a widespread operation aimed at gathering and transferring the elderly to the Colony. Not much is known about this place, but there are whispers that no one ever returns from it. Some are eager to go, feeling so isolated and forsaken that they eagerly seek early admission.

Tereza, who works in an alligator meat processing plant and is self-reliant, had not given much consideration to retirement until recently. A new policy was approved that suggests she might retire earlier than expected, but this hasn’t changed her mindset yet. Interestingly, the government has reduced the age at which children take custody of their elderly parents from 80 to 75 years old. This change may strike amusement in some Americans as they have chosen septuagenarian candidates in the last three presidential elections.

Mascaro subtly unveils the new rule without explicitly stating it, and the opposition voices their discontent through graffiti on decaying walls. This leaves everyone, including Tereza, taken aback when social workers arrive to place wreaths on her shack’s door – a gesture they describe as an honor for aging, which Tereza questions (“When did growing older become something to be honored?” she queries). With this development, Rosa Malagueta, a fellow worker, advises Tereza to consider her bucket list. She manages to draw out of Tereza her most cherished dream: to experience a flight in an airplane. This wish might seem simple for someone who has never flown before, but it presents challenges due to regulations that require Tereza to obtain permission from her daughter (Clarissa Pinheiro) for every minor decision.

Tereza has managed her life independently up until now, and she intends to achieve her dream on her own – if this comes off as stubborn, consider otherwise. Weinberg exudes kindness, with soft features, warm eyes, and a heartwarming aura. Tereza withdraws her life savings from a tin can and sets out on her journey first by purchasing the earliest available round-trip commercial airline ticket at the travel agency. If tickets are unavailable, she hires a boat upriver to Itacoatiora, where private pilots operate ultralight aircraft. Cadu, the seemingly disheveled captain of this old banana boat, conceals Rodrigo Santoro beneath his unkempt appearance.

For the next twenty minutes, Mascaro’s lively interpretation of “The African Queen” unfolds. This charming and modest elderly woman endeavors to establish harmony with her gruff guide who, at the helm, takes snuff from rapé and later presents her with a mind-bending encounter involving the “blue drool snail.” Tereza isn’t quite prepared for such a psychedelic journey yet, but you can be sure that she’ll eventually give it a try before the movie concludes (and when it does, expect an eccentric electronic score by Memo Guerra to round off everything in an optimistic tone).

The Blue Trail” follows a journey-like narrative akin to a road trip movie, except instead of roads, Tereza navigates by water. As one new acquaintance, far from being young, remarks, she’s always on the move. This friend is Roberta (Miriam Socarras), a jovial con artist who peddles electronic Bibles from her boat and has found a way to skirt around the Colony – by purchasing freedom. At an age when society considers her expendable, everyone Tereza meets seems to impart valuable lessons on how to truly live. This is true even for Ludemir (Adanilo), the unfortunate gambler who insists he can get his ultralight airborne once more.

As a cinephile, I found myself deeply moved by Tereza’s transformation in “The First Death.” By then, she was harboring a fresh aspiration, one that no longer entailed her languishing at home in her humble shack or enduring the degradation of the Colony. Instead, she yearned to immerse herself in a life she had once taken for granted.

Although Mascaro’s film undeniably carries a message of respect for the elderly, Tereza’s emancipation – hinted at humorously through her dance at her factory job – resonates with individuals of all ages. Her journey might have been brief, spanning only 86 minutes, but it was densely packed with unforgettable encounters and visuals.

For instance, the mountain of used tires, destined to return to the forests from where their rubber originated, left a lasting impression. Similarly captivating were the surreal scenes of an abandoned amusement park’s fiberglass graves, and the shots of Cadu’s boat navigating the river’s S-curves, evoking such freedom that it felt like soaring through the skies.

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2025-02-17 03:46