Casa Grande (2014)

In the affluent suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, seventeen-year-old Jean Cavalcanti navigates his life of privilege within the secure confines of his family's grandiose casa grande. As a high school senior in a prestigious private boys' school, Jean's life is seemingly worry-free, yet marred by his parents' emotional distance. Hugo and Sônia, Jean's parents, are consumed by the upkeep of their high-status lifestyle, leaving their children's upbringing largely to their household staff. Jean's life is a revolving stage of characters, from Rita, the live-in maid, who shares with him provocative conversations and intimate moments under the cover of darkness, to Severino, the chauffeur, who introduces him to his first sexual encounter. When Severino unexpectedly disappears, Jean's life takes an unexpected turn. He is thrown into the chaos of public transit, where he meets Luiza, a bright mixed-race girl from a different socio-economic background. Despite their disparities, a romantic entanglement ensues, bringing into stark light the societal inequalities they face. However, Jean is oblivious to a looming crisis - the collapse of the hedge fund managed by his father, Hugo. As the family's financial stability crumbles, Hugo and Sônia desperately cling onto their facade of wealth, even as they lose their ability to maintain their extravagant lifestyle and the casa grande. The narrative unfolds as Jean navigates the complexities of his teenage life amidst societal inequalities, his family's financial crisis, and the loss of his privileged bubble. His path towards adulthood is a tumultuous journey that reflects the harsh realities of class distinction and the illusion of prosperity.

Casa Grande is a drama movie featuring Thales Cavalcanti and directed by Fellipe Barbosa.

Casa Grande is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Metrograph.