Short Film: Maria Jose Maria (2023)

  • Directed by Chico Noras
  • Written by Timoteo de Azevedo, Miguel Raimundo, Chico Noras
  • Stars Nuno Alho, Eunice Correia, Andre Gago, Pedro Luzindro, Jose Neto
  • Run Time: 20:37
  • Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK3xSlKmrt0

Synopsis

“Based on a true story.”

The policeman checks out a beheading victim. It looks like a professional did it, possibly a butcher. He finds something, possibly a clue.

A woman wakes up to find blood in her bed and calls for her mother, but she cannot find her anywhere. She goes to church to pray for forgiveness and talks to the priest, who asks her if she wants to confess anything. She admits that she’s no longer chaste and that God is ready to punish her sins. The priest later talks to the policeman.

The woman later complains that the devil is haunting her. Is she crazy, or is she right?

Commentary

The high-contrast black and white gives it an old-timey, classic feel, and the locations add a lot to this as well. The music sets the mood well, and we’re not quite clear on what’s going on for a long time.

We were just about to give it up as not completely making sense when the title card at the end explained the historical significance of the story, which cleared it all up.

Very interesting look and style choices here; definitely worth a watch!