#SXSW: “EXECUTIVE ORDER”

By Amanda Gilmore

In a dystopian near-future Brazil, an authoritarian government orders all citizens of African descent to move to Africa. This creates chaos that results in Antônio (Alfred Enoch) being separated from his pregnant partner Capitu (Taís Araujo). Although Antônio isn’t aware that Capitu is still in Rio de Janeiro with an underground resistance movement, he stays in their apartment and refuses to leave the country without her.

At the core of the Film is the outstanding performances from Enoch and Araujo. Enoch shines in moments both quiet and loud, such as conversing with his loved ones and making speeches to the public on his balcony. Araujo is captivating, particularly in scenes involving her being quiet and expressing her emotions through movement. Her standout moment is towards the end when she demands her fellow resistance fighters listen to her.

Executive Order is a powerful film and Director Lázaro Ramos has created good pacing that conveys the script’s overall message about the power of fighting peacefully against a government using violence and force. 

Executive Order screens at SXSW: Tuesday, March 16 at 3 PM ET.