House of Sand

In 1910, Aurea (Torres) and her mother Maria (Montenegro, Torres' real-life mom) are transplanted to the oblivion of northern Brazil by Aurea's delusioned husband, who is intent on turning the barren land into a farm. She quickly finds her pregnant self widowed and stranded, but she is befriended by Massu (Moldia), a former slave from a nearby settlement who helps the women make their way. The story unfolds over three generations (Torres and Motenegro eventually shift roles, with Montenegro as Aurea and Torres as daughter Maria) as the house slowly fills with sand, symbolizing the effects of gradual but inevitable passage of time. Not much happens save the occasional opportunity for escape from the desolate desert life, but for those with patience, it's a visual and dramatic treat. Portuguese with English subtitles.