Drained Movie Review

Brazilian Director Heitor Dhalia's film Drained is a dark comedic allegory that stresses the complicated economy of the South American country, while warning of the dangers of wealth and the obsessions that come with worldly possessions.

Lourenco is an intellectual, yet heart-less, perverted misanthrope and owner of a sprawling pawnshop. His greed and finicky taste for items leads him to exploit and regularly reject customers needing money to make ends meet. His quirky life philosophy revolves around the idea that everything is property and can be bought for a price. His obsession for an attractive waitress with a nice back-side at a local café, whom he refers to as "the ass," spurs a misogynistic quest to own her as a material possession. He commences his journey by severing ties with his long-time fiancée. Meanwhile, a stench from the drain in his office bathroom grows worse with each day, as does his temper. While his depraved quest continues he degenerates into a deranged tirade of obsession, oppression, and exploitation that could ultimately lead to his downfall.

Drained is an innovative dark comedy that blends social satire with absurd. The well-written screenplay effectively lends itself to the theme as we follow Lourenco through his debauched journey. The writing develops the characters well, especially the protagonist; adding insight to his troubled mind through a constant stream of voice over that expresses his debased views of the human species, while concurrently exhibiting the obvious hypocrisy as his actions consistently undermine the beliefs so stone-cold in his mind.

This brilliantly vivid film is rounded out by and immaculate cast that deliver amazing performances, bringing the film to life and adding a synergy that drives the film ever forward. The best performances come from the film's protagonist, played by Selton Mello; who keeps the plot engaging and centered with a performance that melds vulnerability and mischief. The film's leading lady also manages to turn out a sweet, sincere performance as the innocent and sensible object of perverted desire. The film also boasts a technically sound aesthetic that mixes sharp, copper-tinted cinematography and spunky editing that capitalizes on a cutting-edge Brazilian soundtrack to tell the tragic allegory.

Drained certainly shines as a hilarious dark comedy that showcases the socio-economic struggles of Brazil through a satirical message that will make you think twice about the consequences of greed and wealth.