Self

The movie follows Fernando, a 16-year-old teenager from the conservative countryside of Sao Paulo as he decides to meet up with an online hook up after being mercilessly teased by his friends for being a virgin. Fernando hides his homosexuality from everyone and ends up meeting his date, an older man, in a remote area of the woods where they are both out of sight. The sexual encounter promises to be a romantic one but ends up being a traumatic episode that will undoubtedly haunt Fernando the rest of his life.

Directed by Rafael Thomaseto, Self leans on a strong ensemble — Jota Barletta, Theodoro Cochrane, Giovanni De Lorenzi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2020.