:: Me You Them

Under the eyes of Brazilian director Andrucha Waddington, love with multiple spouses becomes a dreamy kaleidoscope of passion and possibilities. We’ve seen many films where men and women sneak behind each other. In this feature, everything is out in the open. Lust and poverty bring the one woman and the three men together. Unbelievably, they decide to share a small house in the middle of the countryside, a small village. They learn to overcome their differences and live side-by-side. All three men naturally get jealous because of her sleeping around. The woman in question is Darlene (Regina Case). She is the heart and soul of “Me You Them” – beautiful, sassy and accommodating. She radiates warmth and affection, but wields her sexual power like a magic wand. Darlene becomes pregnant easily, bearing sons for each man.

Darlene’s first husband, Osias (Lima Duarte) is a money-hungry, clever peasant whom she marries to get a roof over her head – not as an act of love. Zezinho (Stenio Garcia) is Osias’ good-hearted brother-in-law who gradually gets involved with Darlene as well. Towards the end of the film, man number three comes in the person of the handsome, young Ciro (Luis Carlos Vasconcelos). He sweeps her off her feet. The characters find humanity in their misfortune. When they go to the town, it’s to dance to music and to drink. The landscape of northeast Brazil is intoxicating. The vastness seems to heighten their sense of needing one another.

The film’s ending, which will satisfy the most craven audience’s desire for a happy one, remains nevertheless pleasantly astringent. “Me You Them” deserves to be seen. The acting is excellent, the story is touching, and the cinematography is top-rate. At age thirty, director Andrucha Waddington has already established himself as one of Brazil’s most successful directors of commercials and music videos. It’s worth noting the influence of the sublime musical score by legendary Brazilian star Gilberto Gil. It’s another plus for the charming nature of the film.