Is The Desire Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1975)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama, Horror cinema, the 1975 release of The Desire stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Widowed one year ago, Eleonora, a 33-year-old woman from Sao Paulo's upper bourgeoisie, lives alone, unsuited to her husband's absence, an intellectual frustrated and torn between the need for transcendence and a strong sexual compulsion. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Widowed one year ago, Eleonora, a 33-year-old woman from Sao Paulo's upper bourgeoisie, lives alone, unsuited to her husband's absence, an intellectual frustrated and torn between the need for transcendence and a strong sexual compulsion. The life of the couple, although not happy, was intense. However, the presence of her a long-time friend Ana Maria, just arrived from Paris, a middle-class university student, is staying at his house. The two go to the site of Eleonora and she remembers her life with Marcelo and his death by drowning."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Fernando Amaral does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Walter Hugo Khouri is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 99 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Desire truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Desire explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 1975 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Walter Hugo Khouri respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Desire is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Fernando Amaral or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Desire is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.