Pigossi is a movie-star presence who truly understands acting for the camera—i.e., letting us feel whatever the character is feeling.

[Pigossi] neatly avoids wallowing in Lourenço’s misery and instead finds a humanity one can root for. It’s a powerfully emotional performance that lifts all boats in this picturesque drama.

“High Tide” is more character-driven than plot-driven and refreshingly refuses to neatly resolve Lourenço’s plight, while leaving open a window for his realistic happiness.

Gently tinged with issues relating to sexuality and race, the approach is knowingly realistic and also funny, emotional, sexy and surprising.