Taciano Valério film Ao Sabor das Cinzas explores family secrets

The Brazilian film ‘Ao Sabor das Cinzas’, directed by Taciano Valério, blends melodrama, crime suspense, and magical realism to examine the fractures within traditional patriarchal structures. Set in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, the narrative follows two sisters, Bethânia and Laura, who must confront their conflicting worldviews following the death of their father, Seu Lauro.

The plot takes a surreal turn when the patriarch’s body disappears from a hospital morgue, prompting a dark, existential journey across regional highways. As the sisters search for the remains, the film delves into disturbing truths, including human trafficking and the exploitation of women, hidden behind a facade of respectability. While noted for its cinematography and its depiction of the interaction between the living and the dead, the film has received mixed critiques regarding its pacing, dialogue, and character development.