Watch O Cheiro do Ralo

O Cheiro do Ralo is a Brazilian movie from 2006 directed by Heitor Dhalia and starring Selton Mello as Lourenço, a pawnshop owner who is obsessed with buying and collecting objects of different kinds, particularly those with some symbolic or nostalgic value. One day, he meets a young woman named Angela (Paula Braun) who wants to sell a valuable golden ring that belonged to her grandmother. Lourenço is immediately struck by the beauty and uniqueness of the piece and offers her a sum that is much lower than her expectations. Angela is reluctant to accept the offer but Lourenço insists and manages to convince her by pointing out some flaws and defects that he thinks diminish the value of the ring.

From this premise, the movie follows the interactions and relationships between three characters: Lourenço, Angela, and a plumber named Otávio (Paulo Alves) who comes to repair a clogged drain in Lourenço's shop. As Lourenço examines the ring and discovers its hidden qualities, he becomes increasingly entranced by its allure and starts to imagine different scenarios in which he could possess it fully. Angela, on the other hand, feels deceived and humiliated by Lourenço's behavior and starts to question her own values and motivations. Otávio, who is a down-to-earth and straightforward person, tries to mediate between them and show them the real worth of things and people.

The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Lourenço Mutarelli and shares some of its themes and motifs, such as the cult of objects, the nostalgia for the past, and the search for identity and meaning in a society that values superficiality and consumerism. However, the movie also adds some elements and twists that enhance the storyline and the performances of the actors. Selton Mello, in particular, delivers a nuanced and compelling portrayal of Lourenço, who is simultaneously charming and repulsive, wise and foolish, selfish and generous. He manages to convey the inner turmoil and contradictions of his character with subtlety and empathy, making him a complex and intriguing figure to follow.

Paula Braun and Paulo Alves also shine in their roles, bringing sensitivity and authenticity to their characters' dilemmas and aspirations. Angela's journey from a naive and vulnerable girl to a more assertive and independent woman is especially poignant and resonant, as it echoes the struggles and triumphs of many women in contemporary society. Otávio's role as a mentor and friend to both Lourenço and Angela is also crucial to the movie's message of human connection and interdependence, as he shows them that their worth and value are not determined by their possessions but by their actions and relationships.

The cinematography and editing of the movie are also noteworthy, as they create a moody and immersive atmosphere that reflects the characters' moods and emotions. The use of close-ups, slow motion, and surreal imagery is particularly effective in conveying the dreamlike and allegorical aspects of the story, as well as its underlying critique of the culture of consumption and commodification. The soundtrack and sound design of the movie are also well-crafted and diverse, using a mix of classical music, jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and ambient sounds to enhance the sensory and emotional experience of the viewers.

Overall, O Cheiro do Ralo is a compelling and thought-provoking movie that explores the human condition with depth and subtlety. Its themes of love, loss, greed, and redemption are universal and timeless, and its characters are vivid and relatable. The movie is a testament to the power of storytelling and cinema to reveal the hidden truths and complexities of our existence, and to inspire us to reflect on our values and priorities.