Is They Could Be Alive Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2022 release of They Could Be Alive stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into What would the pandemic have been like in Brazil if the government had used all the potential that the SUS (Brazilian Federal Health System) offers? What could the country's 300,000 health workers have done to combat the uncontrolled transmission of the virus? How many deaths would have been avoided if we had done contact tracing, mass testing and invested in effective prevention and awareness campaigns? How many children, wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and brothers would have lost the most important people in their lives if the president of the republic had not bet on the strategy of intentional contamination to generate collective immunity, despising vaccines and betting on charlatanism (and corruption)?. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary 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: "What would the pandemic have been like in Brazil if the government had used all the potential that the SUS (Brazilian Federal Health System) offers? What could the country's 300,000 health workers have done to combat the uncontrolled transmission of the virus? How many deaths would have been avoided if we had done contact tracing, mass testing and invested in effective prevention and awareness campaigns? How many children, wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and brothers would have lost the most important people in their lives if the president of the republic had not bet on the strategy of intentional contamination to generate collective immunity, despising vaccines and betting on charlatanism (and corruption)?"

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. The performance by Jair Bolsonaro is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Jair Bolsonaro captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Irmãos Mesquita is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 109 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 They Could Be Alive 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 Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 10/10 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, They Could Be Alive explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Irmãos Mesquita 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, They Could Be Alive is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jair Bolsonaro or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, They Could Be Alive is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.