There are also several moments in Autoerótica where the performances, including Mey’s, fall flat and need more zeal and purposefulness. It takes a bit of inflection from the audience to find a connection to these characters. The dialogue is less moving and of low poignance. Given that these artists are featured in their first roles, it is the director’s job to hold them all in convention. While Bruna is the center arc of the plot, by having her co-stars share ample screen space with her, the filmmaker creates a collaborative atmosphere. Still, the occasional lack of conviction and less contemplative performances hamper the experience.
It’s the events that follow in the second act that make up for a lot of it through implied commentary and remarks. From hereon, the film takes a route to establish its social stance, which puts front and center debates about women’s health. The film questions society’s failure to acknowledge mature men’s stupidity and recklessness regarding sexual escapades, thus building up a great stance against generic judgemental tropes.
“…explores the resilience and commitment of its lead female characters.”
The film further focuses on the subsequent negative and hazardous impact these unjust and biased social and legal protocols may lead to in a woman’s life. Navigating the entire second act, Autoerótica induces a worrisome state that forces the audience to empathize with Bruna’s vulnerability while at the same time appreciating the unison Paulina and Débora mold together to help a friend out. The three lead an optimistic front in contrast to social conventions that the film uproots and offer the audience a chance to witness a satisfactory conclusion instead of a tragedy.
Autoerótica is a feminist film that profoundly explores the resilience and commitment of its lead female characters. For women, it’s an inspiring cinematic attempt to highlight the correct concerns out loud. In contrast, for men, it’s an experience of transformational learning concerning orthodox discriminatory norms.
Autoerótica screened at the Locarno Film Festival 2023.
"…Mey does a splendid job..."
