Kurzfilm
Caustic
Auf einer abgelegenen Farm machen eine Mutter und ihre Tochter eine Entdeckung, von der sie glauben, dass sie die Lähmung der Mutter heilen könnte. Doch während sie das Geheimnis lüften, geraten sie in einen verstörenden psychologischen Horrorthriller, in dem düstere Menschenopfer der einzige Ausweg zu sein scheinen.
Produktionsland
Brasilien – 2023
Laufzeit
00:22:00
Regie
Wesley Gondim
Wesley Gondim
Wesley Gondim, born in 1977 in Fortaleza, Ceará, is a Brazilian director and screenwriter. His portfolio includes medium-length and short films that explore both fiction and documentary, and his works have been recognized with numerous awards and showcased at prestigious festivals both in Brazil and internationally.
In 2022, Gondim made his debut in feature-length format with the documentary „Afeminadas“ during the 55th Brasília Brazilian Cinema Festival and had its international premiere at Europe’s largest LGBTIQ+ film festival, the BFI Flare: London Film Festival.
Currently, in 2023, the director is in Brasília, where he is finalizing the filming of his next project, a psychological horror fiction film titled „Cáustico.“
In addition to his activities as a director and screenwriter, Gondim serves as the artistic director of the Fantastic International Film Festival of Ceará – Sinistro Fest, solidifying his contribution to the national film scene and his dedication to promoting fantastic cinema.
Director Statement
In „Caustic,“ my vision as a director was to create a psychological horror thriller that would immerse the audience in a disturbing and harrowing journey. Through this story, I explored profound themes related to morality, sacrifice, and the limits of human sanity.
The choice of an isolated farm as the main setting was crucial in creating a claustrophobic and enigmatic atmosphere, reinforcing the sense of isolation and despair of the characters. The idea of crafting a psychological suspense, where terror lies in the shadows, doubts, and dark secrets, allowed me to work on the darkest aspects of the human mind.
By narrating the story of Dalva and Cris, I aimed to highlight the complexity of family relationships amidst extreme situations. The theme of Dalva’s illness and the desperate search for a cure served as a catalyst to delve into the depths of the human soul and question how far we are willing to go to save those we love.
In „Caustic,“ I sought to create an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience that would leave the audience restless and reflective. The approach to suspenseful and terrifying scenes was carefully crafted to maintain escalating tension throughout the film, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats.
Through directing the actors, I aimed to draw out authentic and intense performances, allowing the audience to emotionally connect with the characters, even in such a dark and challenging scenario.
„Caustic“ is a cinematic work that explores the darkest aspects of the human psyche, raising questions about human nature and the duality of good and evil. I hope that this journey into psychological terror prompts the audience to reflect on the choices we make in extreme situations and the true price of redemption.
In this work, I delved into the darker side of the human soul, inviting the audience to question their own fears and limits. „Caustic“ is a cinematic experience that explores the abysses of the human mind and reveals what is hidden in the depths of darkness.
Ratings
Cast & Crew
Wesley Gondim: Director, Writer
(For My Cat Mieze)
Thiago Rocha: Producer
Ana Luiza Rios: Key Cast „Dalva“
Bianca Terraza: Key Cast „Chris“
Sérgio Sartório: Key Cast „Heitor“
Daniel Bandeira: Editor Property
Joanna Ramos: Director of Photography
Carmen San’Thiago: Production Designer
