When It Thunders

The film disrupts traditional romantic relationships by having Ruth leave António for his best friend, Pedro. This move challenges typical ideas of loyalty and stability. The narrative does not explicitly confirm Ruth and Pedro's relationship as a queer couple, but it questions conventional relationship norms.

Ruth plays a key role in driving the story through her strong emotional presence. António, meanwhile, reacts to his loss by becoming depressed rather than acting in a traditionally dominant manner.

The story focuses on a localized, homogeneous social circle. There is no indication of diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds among the main characters.

The film incorporates surreal spiritual beings to explore personal, mythic experiences. It moves away from the strict structures of organized religion, focusing instead on individual spiritual journeys.

António’s struggle with depression highlights the complexity of mental health issues. The film treats psychological distress as a condition that requires unconventional support, using supernatural entities as helpers.