You are here:

Maria do Caritó

Name: Maria do Caritó
Director: João Paulo Jabur
Released: 2019
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

5.4/10

Fair

2019

Director

João Paulo Jabur

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Maria do Caritó is a character-driven comedy that centers on a woman whose social power comes from her perceived spiritual connection. The film breaks from typical clichés by placing a female protagonist in a position of communal authority, despite her personal isolation. The narrative moves away from Western-centric romantic structures, opting for a story rooted in regional folklore. This approach allows for a localized and culturally specific exploration of faith and desire. However, the film remains within traditional frameworks, focusing on straight-centered romance and lacking visible representation of LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Maria do Caritó have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story focuses on a traditional romantic relationship, with no explicit depiction of LGBTQ+ identities. Non-straight relationships are not represented in the narrative.

How does Maria do Caritó portray gender?

Fair

Maria is a central figure with significant influence, respected as a miracle worker in her community. She actively seeks companionship, demonstrating self-directed decision-making.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Maria do Caritó?

Good

The film includes diverse ethnic characters, such as a gypsy figure, reflecting regional folk traditions rather than Western norms.

How does Maria do Caritó represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot explores the interplay between divine intervention and human desire through religious frameworks. It delves into the intersection of spirituality, superstition, and personal autonomy.

Does Maria do Caritó include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information available regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this film.

Present on Screen

The film departs from Western-centric romantic structures by drawing on regional folklore.
Maria is portrayed with significant influence, acting as a figure of communal authority.
The narrative explores the intersection between spirituality and human desire in a nuanced manner.

Limited or Absent

The story lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities, focusing on traditional romance.
There is no inclusion of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.
The narrative relies heavily on traditional romantic and domestic archetypes.

Official Synopsis

Maria, a virgin spinster, is trying magical superstitions to find a husband. In her dialogue with the marriage saint, she implores for a companion. Her father offered her as a bride to Saint Djalminha, if the saint saved her during her complicated birth which ended in the death of her mother. Since then Maria has lived this dilemma: revered and loved by the residents and pilgrims that believe she is a miracle worker; she is desperate to live a great love, with a flesh and blood prospect with real passionate desire. She asks for a sign from the heavens, a clue on how to find a crumb of love when a gypsy arrives on scene saying "someone who loves her very much, but she doesn't know will come from afar on an artists' caravan." Maria can't take the solitude she is living anymore and decides "to find Mr. Right," no matter how much it may cost.

How are these scores produced? →