Comfort in Vai e Vem

An enrapturing film by Joao Cesar Monteiro, reversely translated as "Come and Go", which, if we are to look at it from the point of view of the TOTM ( theme of the month for those not ready to tackle acronyms longer than two letters long), conveys a huge sense of comfort to the viewer, without washing away with it the all-important element of suspense that we all long for, as it is an inherent part of our contact with existence. Monteiro creates masterful frames, where the overarching mood is one of simplicity, purity and minimalism.The furniture is kept to a minimum and is subtly synchronised to fit the frame. Characters are dressed in simple, comfortable attire so as to not disturb the setting. Even movements are kept basic and dwell wholly on a surprisingly easy- going body chemistry between characters, which, in turn, allow them to discover the seemingly uncomfortable, and to perhaps test their limits in other ways, be it political discourse or sexuality. The comfort factor in this film is indispensable and utterly soothing.