In his first film Coimbra already appears to be a master of the cinematic tightrope walk, weaving flashbacks and detective work in an energetic and pleasingly sleazy manner (this is, after all, a modern noir).

Though a strong director of actors, Coimbra is significantly less assured as a visual stylist.

Surprisingly extracting humor out of a incredibly serious and dramatic situation, the film is especially benefited by the flawless performances of Leal, Cortaz and Nascimento.

The all-too-real premise and its emphasis on drama makes the payoff of more disturbing things at play feel all the more unsettling.