40 reviews
Watch this movie, when you need something light, nice and uplifting. I can't remember when was the last time, that I saw such beautiful chemistry between the main couple in a movie (gay or straight). It was just amazing and unbeliveable. Even if it's the only reason to watch the movie, it's good enough- the chemistry! I'm melting away like ice cream on a hot summer's day.
- seronjaa-797-313124
- Aug 13, 2020
- Permalink
The film has an interesting aesthetic, clearly had a good production, however, the performances leave the experience very distressing at certain times, almost like an amateur film for YouTube. The plot is simple, but still thought-provoking, with some unexpected and positive twists.
In spite of everything, I know that making cinema in Brazil is not easy and I congratulate you for that, for exposing yourself in this way and trying to do something that deviates from the standards.
In spite of everything, I know that making cinema in Brazil is not easy and I congratulate you for that, for exposing yourself in this way and trying to do something that deviates from the standards.
- kaysanjaad
- Jul 4, 2020
- Permalink
But definitely not a good one either. There is always an "amateur" vibe on the plot, on extra actors, and even on main actors on some parts.
Picture, camera angles and soundtrack are pretty good and overall message is a good one too.
I understand where this movie aimed, and it's ok, but Brazilian cinema certainly has movies which aimed much higher.
- minimaster-67734
- May 13, 2020
- Permalink
I nearly switched off at the twenty minute mark. The exagerrated acting and the plotlines were beginning to irritate me. However with the arrival of Lucas Hantz played by Paulo Sousa, things began to look up and become more realistic.
I have to say that the actors did a good job of pretending to be the part they'd been assigned. Thiago Cazado, playing Mario Hantz, was meant to be an innocent brought up in a strictly religious community. Yet he had prominent and large tattoos. Sousa, an ex jailbird, was pretty and thoughtful.
It was all fantasy, of course. The ending would have been unthinkable both in terms of Aunty's religious beliefs and those of the local community. Julia in particular was a buffoonish caricature. But it somehow didn't matter.
I wouldn't go out of my way for this film, but if one can get it for free, then take a look for eighty minutes.
I have to say that the actors did a good job of pretending to be the part they'd been assigned. Thiago Cazado, playing Mario Hantz, was meant to be an innocent brought up in a strictly religious community. Yet he had prominent and large tattoos. Sousa, an ex jailbird, was pretty and thoughtful.
It was all fantasy, of course. The ending would have been unthinkable both in terms of Aunty's religious beliefs and those of the local community. Julia in particular was a buffoonish caricature. But it somehow didn't matter.
I wouldn't go out of my way for this film, but if one can get it for free, then take a look for eighty minutes.
The movie is so sweet, especially with the actors, chemistry between lucas and mario was fantastic. No intense drama, no akward plot twist just pure sweet romantic and lovely portrayals of young gay love in the midsts of christian values and catholic customs and the challange of acceptance. A must watch
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was a good story and moved along at a good apce.
- craiglistmail
- Jun 11, 2020
- Permalink
FABULOUS CHRONICLE OF UNUSUAL LOVE AWAKENINGS... WITH GOD'S PERMISSION!
Brazil, along with Argentina, lead, in my opinion, the good independent cinema in Latin America, that cinema that is partly similar to the European one. That which is not afraid of anything. And here is proof of it.
We have a film that, although it seems like a fantasy tale (bordering on the picturesque), is still something interesting to see. And more so because of the atypical plot that the script proposes to us.
Paulo Sousa makes his debut here in a big way! Although he has not done anything relevant since then, the chemistry he made with the co-director and screenwriter of this film, Thiago Cazado, was spectacular! They are the ones who deserve applause because their characters were what stood out the most for me. As if in some way they lived their characters in their own flesh. And that is unusual to see in cinema in general. Bravo!
The film is not perfect. Something typical of films where the director is also the scriptwriter is that in most cases, it is noticeable that the script stumbles in the staging, as if there were elements that were forced (we are left without seeing the origin of both protagonists and the reason for their lives, apparently dull and boring). Things like that are common in this type of film and with this condition. But fortunately it does not affect the plot since only the most astute viewers could notice this flaw.
In short, the feature film is good without being excellent. It is not bad because with the resources it had, it did what it wanted to do. As if Cazado wanted a capricious film tailored to his needs and at his whim and he managed to make an interesting film to watch, when you want something stimulating and allegorical.
It is evident that many do not like this type of film. Brazil has never been characterized by being politically correct in cinema and here is proof of that. Misunderstood by many, for others like me, it is a mastery (along with Argentina) of good independent cinema in Latin America. A region that can do a lot if it sets its mind to it.
The film, whatever it may be, will not leave you indifferent, at least. And that is its magic.
The title of the review is taken from the song "Excelente Amante" by Alfredo De La Fé and Igor Benjur.
Brazil, along with Argentina, lead, in my opinion, the good independent cinema in Latin America, that cinema that is partly similar to the European one. That which is not afraid of anything. And here is proof of it.
We have a film that, although it seems like a fantasy tale (bordering on the picturesque), is still something interesting to see. And more so because of the atypical plot that the script proposes to us.
Paulo Sousa makes his debut here in a big way! Although he has not done anything relevant since then, the chemistry he made with the co-director and screenwriter of this film, Thiago Cazado, was spectacular! They are the ones who deserve applause because their characters were what stood out the most for me. As if in some way they lived their characters in their own flesh. And that is unusual to see in cinema in general. Bravo!
The film is not perfect. Something typical of films where the director is also the scriptwriter is that in most cases, it is noticeable that the script stumbles in the staging, as if there were elements that were forced (we are left without seeing the origin of both protagonists and the reason for their lives, apparently dull and boring). Things like that are common in this type of film and with this condition. But fortunately it does not affect the plot since only the most astute viewers could notice this flaw.
In short, the feature film is good without being excellent. It is not bad because with the resources it had, it did what it wanted to do. As if Cazado wanted a capricious film tailored to his needs and at his whim and he managed to make an interesting film to watch, when you want something stimulating and allegorical.
It is evident that many do not like this type of film. Brazil has never been characterized by being politically correct in cinema and here is proof of that. Misunderstood by many, for others like me, it is a mastery (along with Argentina) of good independent cinema in Latin America. A region that can do a lot if it sets its mind to it.
The film, whatever it may be, will not leave you indifferent, at least. And that is its magic.
The title of the review is taken from the song "Excelente Amante" by Alfredo De La Fé and Igor Benjur.
- Sisoycsar96
- Mar 1, 2025
- Permalink
It is so bad.... I wanna give it a ZERO but that's not possible so I'll give it a one...
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- thompson-80175
- Jan 29, 2022
- Permalink
...when talking about "Cousins".
These two are about as closely related as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip so please get over it. If the film had been called "Siblings" I could understand.
This is a wonderfully sweet, funny and uplifting film that pokes fun at small-town life in Brazil in which religion seems to be the only thing going on.
You can feel the attraction between these two boys from the first minute they're together. It's not a question of "if" but "when".
And, unlike in Hollywood this film isn't afraid to show that when people have sex they're naked and they have bodies. Hollywood might make this film, but it would definitely remove the male nudity. Thankfully, Brazilians are not so uptight.
Please go see this film and take any small-town, religious relatives you may have with you.
- ricardosaboya
- Dec 25, 2020
- Permalink
Such a lovely film, everything, from the storyline the script the actors, all Brilliant!! Paulo Sousa is just Gorgeous, would love to see him in more similar movies, such a natural actor!! And Thiago Cadoza was the perfect foil to Paulo, one very outgoing and open the other repressed and wanting something to break him out of his funk!! The chemistry was excellent!! Lovwd Auntie Lourdes as well, stuck in her own religious well, not even knowing she was in need of something else!!
If you're in need of a Really Fun feel Good movie with an LGBTQI twist, this is for You.
ENJOY!!
If you're in need of a Really Fun feel Good movie with an LGBTQI twist, this is for You.
ENJOY!!
- thefendiprint
- Jul 11, 2020
- Permalink
Had heard good things about this foreign film, so I rented when it was a 99¢ discovery on iTunes.
To call it amateurish is an understatement. I think the biggest hurdle is the casting; first, you have discount Tyler Posey as the lead (with tats, ear gauge holes, and a nose piercing... he screams porn actor - not small-town boy growing up in rural Brazil); next, discount Adam Sandler as the aforementioned 'cousin,' and lastly, discount Nia Vardalos as the religious nutbag aunt with no financial common sense. Oh, and the obviously boy-crazed neighbor girl taking piano lessons from Tyler Posey literally bats her eyelashes at him multiple times to let the audience know she is enamored. It was all so hackneyed! I felt like I was watching a Disney Channel original movie.
Every plot point was so obviously telegraphed that there was never any tension or drama (will they or won't they get caught sneaking around?). Plus, the ridiculously preposterous ending.
Keep some distance from (your) Cousins. It's just not worth it.
To call it amateurish is an understatement. I think the biggest hurdle is the casting; first, you have discount Tyler Posey as the lead (with tats, ear gauge holes, and a nose piercing... he screams porn actor - not small-town boy growing up in rural Brazil); next, discount Adam Sandler as the aforementioned 'cousin,' and lastly, discount Nia Vardalos as the religious nutbag aunt with no financial common sense. Oh, and the obviously boy-crazed neighbor girl taking piano lessons from Tyler Posey literally bats her eyelashes at him multiple times to let the audience know she is enamored. It was all so hackneyed! I felt like I was watching a Disney Channel original movie.
Every plot point was so obviously telegraphed that there was never any tension or drama (will they or won't they get caught sneaking around?). Plus, the ridiculously preposterous ending.
Keep some distance from (your) Cousins. It's just not worth it.
- doctheop-05193
- Aug 20, 2023
- Permalink
What a wonderful movie !
It was such a joy to watch a lighthearted gay themed movie with a happy ending. I would love to see more movies like this being made. There is a great chemistry between the two lead actors Paulo Sousa (Lucas) and Thiago Cazado (Mario) which was incredibly believable. The Aunt (Juliana Zancanaro) was really funny and topped off a perfect film. I highly recommend Primos (Cousins) if you want to watch a perfect, gay themed feel good movie.
I watched this on Vimeo's On Demand service and it was great to see so many positive comments.
I watched this on Vimeo's On Demand service and it was great to see so many positive comments.
I don't mind enjoying low-budget movies as long as they have decent plots and actings. However, "Cousins" fails miserably in both production and entertainment values. I've never got such a huge amount of cringes from a movie before, but I wouldn't say you must avoid it. You may watch this movie when you have some spare time, just to see how ridiculous it is.
9.5 Stars....Initially, at the beginning, I thought this was going to be a dim-witted comedy.
By the end I loved it. In fact, I started watching again after the credits had rolled!
As others have mentioned, the chemistry between Mario and Lucas was some of the most beautiful and realistic chemistry I have seen in any gay film anywhere.
It reminded me of the French film Just A Question Of Love (2001) given the naturalness of the actors in Cousins.
Both the main actors, Thiago Cazado; who also did a great job directing, and Paulo Sousa were both outstanding, and the actress who played Aunt Lourdes did a really fine job also.
The writing was also excellent, as was the cinematography.
Any hope of a sequel guys?
Cousins (2019) is a beautifully understated film that thrives on quiet moments and unspoken emotions, but its low production value makes it pale in comparison-even to some YouTube projects. While the story navigates themes of self-discovery and repression with sincerity, the dreamy plot sometimes feels underutilized, missing the chance to fully showcase its setting. The film teeters between heartfelt drama and unintentional camp, with some cringey comedy scenes that almost push it into plotty-porn territory. If not for the emotional depth and genuine chemistry between the leads, it might have been difficult to take seriously.
I do not know if this review can encompass the experience of watching this movie. genuinely i do not have the words.
like. the main actors have great chemistry and it is a very sweet love story but by god no one cares that they are related.
also. i have so many questions. there's witchcraft? and also this one specific scene with a leash that is never mentioned again.
but the soundtrack is kind of incredible and it is so enthralling and entertaining .. i can't even be mad. like it's not a "so bad it's good" movie... it somehow is both bad and incredible simultaneously.
very sorry if this review isn't helpful but i am still in shock after watching this. you just need to watch it for yourself.
- cutiecat-51855
- Dec 26, 2019
- Permalink
Had no idea what to expect but this film kept my interest all the way. The chemistry between the two leads is good, nudity handled honestly and tastefully without being gratuitous. The female antagonist is slightly hammie but she still made me laugh with her quirkiness. Low budget film with that delivers high expectations. Just.....cute and sweet!!
Two cousins meet and house sit for a mutual aunt who is off on a trip. It does not take long for the boys to be attracted to each other and to begin a sweet relationship. This film is funny, romantic and very sexy. There are religious bigots minding everyone else's business, a shrewish ex girlfriend of one of the boys and a switch on the old idea that religion condemns "the gays" when a critical few of them see the young men's love for each other as a good example to others. And so on. The young men are very attractive and sexy because they are so real and present in their roles. Delightful.
I was fascinated with movie and also with Tiago, he is so beautiful and adoring <3 Best wishes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe. :*
I feel the movie, even thought a little idyllic and sometimes unrealistic, is a moving and beautiful LGBT story. The chemistry between the two main actors is great. It has some parts that are really hilarious and the subject is presented with tenderness and respect. I really enjoyed it and recommend. It was like a fresh breeze compare to so many LGBT stories, that although good, are tragic or depressing.
- atman-19814
- Nov 30, 2021
- Permalink
First I thought that I'm gonna hate this. But damn, who thought that this would be one of my favourites! I love everything about this movie. This movie is a work of art. Just watch this and you will never regret watching this.
- tharushigeethma
- Mar 31, 2020
- Permalink
I stumbled on this beautiful film tonight, and could not stop watching. Such a pleasantly, uplifting, coming of age, gay love story.
- troypelaar
- Apr 20, 2020
- Permalink