In recent days, I've been seizing every opportunity to catch up on films from past festivals (primarily Istanbul-based) that I missed. "O Último Banho" (The Last Bath) is one such film from my list, hailing from the Portuguese cinema scene.
Following its screening at the Istanbul Film Festival, the film seemingly vanished into thin air.
In this film, for which David Bonneville co-wrote the screenplay with Diego Rocha, we are presented with scenes reminiscent of "Call Me By Your Name" (the cinematic version), depicting a sexual tension between an aunt and her nephew. It's curious how many viewers have fixated on the incestuous undertones, while overlooking the film's equally troubling pedophilic implications.
The portrayal of a Catholic nun engaging in self-flagellation (with an emphasis on sexuality in these scenes) does not absolve the film from its complicity in these two abhorrent themes. Even the director's anecdotes about filming bath scenes with an underage actor are deeply unsettling.
The film's sole redeeming quality lies in its cinematography, which captures the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's vineyards. The lush landscapes provide a stark contrast to the film's disturbing narrative, offering a momentary respite from the unsettling undercurrents.
"O Último Banho" is a film that raises important questions about consent, exploitation, and the responsibilities of filmmakers when dealing with sensitive subject matter. However, its exploration of these themes is overshadowed by its problematic portrayal of the central relationship and its gratuitous use of sexuality.
It's a film that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, a reminder that even in the pursuit of artistic expression, certain boundaries should not be crossed.
