Watch Kissing Game

Kissing Game, a Brazilian teen drama series created by Esmir Filho, graced Netflix screens in July 2020. Set in a rural town somewhere in the vastness of Brazil, the show takes us on a journey of inexplicable events that unfold when a strange contagion threatens the local community, forcing them to confront their darkest secrets.

The show introduces us to a group of teenage friends who get caught up in the middle of the outbreak. We meet our protagonist, Leo (Caio Horowicz), an introverted boy in love with his friend, Fran (Iza Moreira), who has a crush on someone else. Leo's closest friend, Dudu (Michel Joelsas), is the class clown, who is perpetually doing something rebellious. Together, they form the core of a tight-knit group that share everything.

The story takes off when the town, which is known for its traditional cattle auction, imports a new virus. The mysterious outbreak, which people believe to be caused by kissing, puts everyone on edge. The school is closed, and curfews are imposed as the authorities scramble to come up with ways to contain the virus.

The show does a great job of using the contagion scare to explore the complexities of teenage relationships. Kissing becomes the central motif with the premise that every kiss could lead to infection. The school kids, who are on the verge of discovering their sexuality, get swept up in this frenzy as kissing takes on a newfound meaning. The virus adds weight to every kiss and throws the characters' plans and desires off track.

As the outbreak becomes more severe, things quickly escalate in the town. Leo and his friends set out to solve the mystery, uncovering more than they bargained for. The drama keeps pace with the character's emotional turmoil. Each episode reveals new clues that propel our characters towards a final reckoning.

The cast of Kissing Game does a great job of bringing the teenage crisis to life. Leo, played by Caio Horowicz, is a vulnerable and intense character whose love for Fran is unflinching. His character struggles with the realisation that he might not be the only one in love with his friend. Michel Joelsas, who plays Dudu, is the comedic relief needed in such a serious show. He brings the much-needed light-heartedness to the plot, which makes it enjoyable.

The show also explores prevalent themes in Brazil. Throughout the series, we see the inequalities and fissures in Brazilian society, such as economic disparities, political corruption, and the cultural gap between urban areas and small towns. Kissing Game is a unique portrayal of Brazilian life, and it captures the essence of Brazilian culture.

Kissing Game's writing is sharp and witty. The characters are real, flawed, and very relatable. The show also explores some more significant issues, including sexuality, gender, power, and what it means to be young and in love. The plot twists are well executed, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

The technical aspects of Kissing Game are also notable. The cinematography is visually stunning, showcasing the rural Brazilian countryside's beauty. The show also uses sound in unique ways, especially in the kissing scenes, where we hear the breathless anticipation of the characters.

One of the show's successes is Esmir Filho's directorial style. Every scene feels organic and spontaneous, with a lingering sense of vulnerability that makes the characters feel real. The pacing is tight, and the plot is kept engaging with a continuous stream of revelations.

Overall, Kissing Game is a heartfelt and emotional journey through the complexities of teenage love and friendship in a rural Brazilian town. The show uses the backdrop of a mysterious contagion to shine a light on issues like inequality, corruption, and cultural divides. The plot twists and technical excellence make this series worth watching. In conclusion, Kissing Game is one of the best coming-of-age dramas currently streaming on Netflix.

Kissing Game is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between July 17, 2020 and on Netflix