O Segundo Homem

"The right to bear arms is an extremely controversial and contentious issue. On one side, such a measure would only worsen the country's violence situation. The other sees it as a kind of failure of the state in protecting citizens, who should have the right to arm themselves to cover this gap. 'The Second Man', an exclusive production of Star+, brings director and co-screenwriter Thiago Luciano's vision to this question, reimagining Brazil in a near future after the right to bear arms was granted. His perception is clear: such a measure would increase violence and bring the rise of armed groups. From then on, we follow the story of Miro (Anderson Di Rizzi, from 'Amor à Vida'), who takes his inner family to flee the situation that is established in São Paulo - however, when violence finally reaches those he loves, his mind goes through a revolution. In a way, the film builds a character study, about how excessive violence "bestializes" man, disconnecting him from his feelings and healthy social relationships. Unfortunately, the movie gets lost in its second half, mostly because it invests in a procedural crime and suspense story as a metaphor for the message it wants to convey - with a script, editing and performances that leave something to be desired at this point. However, 'The Second Man' is worth it for its first hour, for the reflections it brings (whatever your side in this debate) and, mainly, for Di Rizzi's performance, who gives himself physically and mentally to the character, bringing all the layers of Miro's transformation."