Approximately two hours into a lengthy analysis of colonialism, a significant moment emerges that highlights the novel “I Only Rest in the Storm“. The main character, a Portuguese engineer working in Guinea Bissau, comes across a sex worker. He shows no interest and tries to engage her in conversation about her life, presumably to make amends for his lack of enthusiasm. However, she is justifiably upset because he’s wasting her time and expresses her frustration by saying that what truly repulses her are good men, those who pretend to care but are actually seeking self-gratification.
In this sequence, Portuguese filmmaker Pedro Pinho explores themes close to his heart, particularly the impact of colonization on current Africa and whether development efforts could paradoxically hinder progress instead. The narrative revolves around Sergio (played by Sérgio Coragem), dispatched to Guinea Bissau in West Africa to assess a proposed road initiative linking the desert and forest. Along his journey, he crosses paths with diverse individuals, some backing the project as a means of modernization and job creation in this underdeveloped nation, while others view it as a threat to their traditional agrarian lifestyle.
Sergio attempts to build friendships with people he encounters, but many view him with suspicion and doubt his intentions. Some see him as a bother that needs to be eliminated, while others view him as a potential source of benefit or a means to achieve their own objectives. In reality, the aforementioned sex worker may have hit the nail on the head: Despite his noble aspirations, Sergio comes across as indecisive and unclear about what truly matters – much like the ineffective do-gooders from past colonizing nations who run NGOs, trying to improve lives in countries they don’t fully comprehend.
The movie “I Only Rest in the Storm” offers a variety of tales within its narrative, ranging from amusing to excessively dramatic, simple to complex with metaphors, as it journeys through Guinea Bissau with Sergio at the helm. Each storyline functions independently, resembling short film vignettes, and while some are impactful, others may not hold up as strongly. The movie’s extensive runtime effectively illustrates the continuous development of colonization across history, but it also challenges viewers’ endurance due to certain dry scenes featuring tangential characters discussing historical facts directly to the camera. To his credit, the director refrains from providing simplistic solutions and instead encourages audiences to question their biases. However, the movie’s lofty aspirations can sometimes become overburdened by the numerous themes it seeks to explore.
Beyond Sergio, just two other characters appear frequently, both of whom are love interests for him. The viewers first encounter Diara, an alluring bar proprietor (portrayed by Cleo Diára, who received an acting accolade for her role at Cannes). In a scene reminiscent of ’70s thrillers, Sergio encounters Diara as she’s evading a pursuer in a bustling market. She employs Sergio as a diversion, and he instantly falls for this mysterious woman with the blonde wig. The other character is Guilherme, or Gui (Jonathan Guilherme), a Brazilian expat who identifies as nonbinary and resides in Africa to explore their roots more deeply. They serve as the one who questions Sergio’s intentions for arriving in Guinea Bissau, given his background as a European from a previously colonizing nation.
Courage radiates an appealing on-screen charm, however, he tends to be the least captivating character in any given scenario. Purposely, he functions as a stand-in for the audience, but his passive nature raises doubts about why we should empathize with his struggles. It’s no surprise that Diára and Guilherme thrive more, as their characters are more dynamic. They actively challenge Sergio, whereas Sergio remains inactive despite appearing to be infatuated with both of them. Instead of taking the initiative, he waits for them to make a move. Sergio’s ineffectiveness symbolizes all do-gooders who shy away from taking decisive action and prefer talking over making a difference — a challenging role for the actor, yet one that aligns with the film’s overall theme.
The movie ‘I Only Rest in the Storm’ is a thought-provoking piece that shines best in exclusive cinematic spaces like Cannes. It sparks debates among viewers as they leave the theater eager to discuss it with friends. The film manages to provoke, entertain, and frustrate audiences simultaneously, making it both adored and criticized. Here’s hoping it expands beyond festival screens and graces local theaters worldwide, particularly in regions like the Global South. There, it is likely to spark intense discussions among people who can identify with its characters.
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2025-05-28 12:46