From its opening scene-a shakedown of Armando Solimões (Wagner Moura) by local authorities at a rural gas station-Kleber Mendonça Filho immerses viewers in a world of casual corruption and clandestine violence endemic to authoritarian rule.
Perhaps sensing this wariness, the creators of some of the more politically compelling movies and TV shows of the past year have instead explored how being alive feels during a tumultuous period. They capture the atmosphere, the mood, the ambient existence of everyday people who are living through a transformative time in history, whether or not they recognize that they are doing so.
Fernando studied at a Mexico City dance academy that receives funding from Jennifer's arts foundation. Their torrid affair began some time ago, during one of Jennifer's many trips to Mexico. Now Fernando has entered the U.S. illegally to be with her, and he's determined to stay, and perhaps even launch his dance career.