Whilst siblings are often close, there’s something rather unusual about the bonds between sisters. A connection which, despite being invisible, is incredibly hard to break. An understanding and intimacy which is difficult to describe. This complex relationship has been captured on celluloid in the likes of Ginger Snaps, Hannah and Her Sisters, The Virgin Suicides and Little Women. Karim Aïnouz’s new film, The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao, focuses on this innate relationship.
Euridice (Carol Duarte) and Guida (Julia Stockler) are sisters living with their parents in a conservative and repressed 1950s Rio. Euridice is determined to become a pianist and study at a conservatoire in Vienna. Her sister, on the other hand, just wants to escape. Which she accomplishes when she runs away in the middle of the night with a Greek sailor (Nikolas Antunes); eloping to Athens. However, live has a funny way of biting you on the ass.
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao is a beautifully shot, impeccability acted and emotionally potent family drama. Both Duarte and Stockler are magnetic on screen, delivering wonderfully observed and full bodied performances. Hélène Louvart’s cinematography is sumptuous whilst Aïnouz steers a sympathetic and empathetic path through the lives of his heroines. At its heart, The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao is an elegant and emotive story about two women struggling to build a life for themselves.
The Invisible Life of Euridice Gusmao screens again at London Film Festival on 13 October.
