I’m excited to dive into the captivating new film “High Tide,” which explores the universal search for belonging through the lens of a gay Brazilian immigrant. Directed by Marco Calvani and starring his real-life husband Marco Pigossi, this poignant story takes us to the picturesque shores of Provincetown, Massachusetts, where the lines between personal and creative passion become delightfully blurred.
Pigossi, a rising star known for his work in Brazil’s hit series “Gen V,” brings a raw emotional depth to his portrayal of Lourenço, a man adrift in a foreign land after a sudden breakup leaves him alone for the summer. Newly arrived on a tourist visa, Lourenço finds himself navigating the quaint, LGBTQ+-friendly community of Provincetown, struggling to reconcile his desire for acceptance with the looming uncertainty of his future.
“This film is really personal for me,” Pigossi tells people. “It’s about the universal need to belong—whether to someone, a place, or even yourself,” Pigossi explains. Lorenzo’s journey reflects what a lot of queer people go through, but it’s also something everyone can relate to.”
The film’s setting in Provincetown serves as a powerful metaphor for this search for belonging. As Calvani explains, the seaside town is a “privileged place, even geographically,” one that offers a rare sense of safety and community for the LGBTQ+ community. But for Lourenço, it’s a temporary haven, a “beautiful bubble” that can’t shield him from the harsh realities of his precarious existence.
“Provincetown is a ‘beautiful bubble,’ as Lourenço calls it—and the cinematographer, Oscar Ignacio Jimeñez, shoots it as if it is wrapping its cleansing shores and cozy cottages around Lourenço,” I observe, highlighting how the film’s visuals mirror the protagonist’s emotional journey.
James Bland’s Maurice, a black nurse from New York who also feels like an outsider in Provincetown’s predominantly white, affluent community, meets Lourenço against this idyllic backdrop. Their tentative connection serves as a poignant exploration of the human need for acceptance and understanding, even in the face of uncertainty.
“Together, they begin to find acceptance with each other while they struggle to reconcile their uncertain futures,” the film’s synopsis poignantly states.
For Marisa Tomei, who portrays a free-spirited local artist, the opportunity to be a part of this project was deeply personal. As an executive producer, she has been instrumental in bringing Calvani’s vision to life, infusing the film with her own experiences as a queer individual navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.
Pigossi reflects, “There are so many people like Lorenzo—people who sacrifice everything for acceptance.” “I hope this film sparks empathy, not only for queer individuals or immigrants but for anyone who feels marginalized or excluded.”
The real-life love story behind “High Tide”‘s scenes further enhances the film’s allure as it enters theaters. Calvani and Pigossi’s deep trust and collaboration have resulted in a work that is both emotionally powerful and visually stunning, a tender exploration of the human condition that transcends the boundaries of genre or identity.
“It was intense but beautiful,” Pigossi says of working with his husband as director. “We trust each other so deeply, and that made it possible to push boundaries. It became more than just a project—it was our first creative baby.”
With its thoughtful storytelling, nuanced performances, and a captivating setting that feels both familiar and foreign, “High Tide” is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the power of cinema to connect us to the universal experiences that make us human. As Calvani and Pigossi’s creative partnership continues to flourish, I eagerly await their next collaborative endeavor, knowing that it will undoubtedly be a work of art that leaves a lasting impression.