Tabu provides a truly beautiful take on the splendours and riches of a life upon reflection, and the many magic characters we encounter along the way.
By Keeva Stratton.
Very much a film of two halves (the first set in modern day Lisbon, the second in Africa), Tabu begins by introducing us to the recently retired and ever dutiful Pilar (Teresa Madruga). Attempting to fulfil her Catholic ideals, Pilar spends much her time protesting for human rights, volunteering, baking carrot cakes, and offering her home to exchange students.
Pilar is a wonderful character in her own right, and provides an anchoring point to all the chaos that surrounds her. Whether it’s the erratic painter who’s trying to turn their friendship into a romance, or receiving letters claiming that a maid is holding her neighbour captive, she barely flinches, making her a pure delight.
Through Pilar, we get to know her eccentric octogenarian neighbour, Aurora (Laura Soveral), whose seemingly fantastical imaginings of a life with monkeys, crocodiles and exotic lovers prove to be true when an old lover returns to the fold. It is Aurora’s decadent and exotic African adventure that forms the second half of the film, as we are taken back in time to a place of embellishment and adventure.
In Africa, life appears to be (amongst the white settlers at least) one of pure exotic hedonism. There are parties to be had, swinging bands, cocktails, beautiful people, and, of course, the occasional afternoon hunt. It is here that the recently married and pregnant Aurora (Ana Moreira) finds the true love of her life, and one of the most majestic (if not unexpected) on screen affairs begins.
Shot in black and white, and at times told purely through voice-over, Portuguese director Miguel Gomes has created something truly special in Tabu. This is precisely the kind of film that we go to festivals for—it’s unique, funny, emotive and daring. If this is a sign of things to come, we can all be genuinely excited about the 2012 Sydney Film Festival.
The look and feel of this film may be from generations past, but the wit, the characters and the storytelling, make the film truly modern, and indeed, very special.
Directed by: Miguel Gomes
Starring: Teresa Madruga, Laura Soveral, Ana Moreira, Carlotto Cotta
Rating: MA15+
Runtime: 118 mins
Release Date: 16 May (Palace Cinemas)
Reviewer rating: 4/5
Website: www.tabuthefilm.com.au