Manas is a sweeping and emotionally resonant film that lingers long after the credits roll. With breakthrough performances and a poignant human feel that permeates every frame, it is not only a must-watch but also a strong contender for awards season once it secures distribution. Director Marianna Brennand, known previously for her work in documentary filmmaking (Francisco Brennand), makes a stunning narrative debut with this deeply affecting drama inspired by a decade of immersive research into the lives of women on Marajó Island in the Brazilian Amazon.
Set against the haunting beauty of a remote and lush landscape, Manas tells the story of 13-year-old Tielle, a young girl whose life appears carefree and simple on the surface. She plays in the forest, tends to household chores, and helps care for her younger siblings. Yet there is a heavy undercurrent of tension that simmers beneath the tropical stillness. Tielle deeply misses her older sister who fled the island for the urban chaos of Rio de Janeiro, leaving a vacuum that is felt throughout the household. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that her absence was not just a personal choice but a desperate escape from something darker.
A still from MANAS. Photo courtesy of SFFILM 2025.
Brennand delicately peels back layers of silence and trauma with an unflinching eye. The verdant rainforest, while visually stunning, becomes a symbol of entrapment, its dense foliage concealing not just secrets, but also the unspoken pain endured by its inhabitants. The cinematography is deliberately understated, allowing the raw emotion of the performances and the intricacies of character development to carry the film. In this minimalist approach, Brennand trusts the audience to draw meaning from stillness and silence as much as from dialogue and action.
At the center of Manas is a powerhouse performance from newcomer Jamilli Correa as Tielle. In her first feature role, Correa displays a remarkable emotional range and screen presence. She captures the complexities of a child forced too early into adult decisions, constantly torn between fear, duty, and the faint glimmer of hope. Her portrayal of Tielle is both heart-wrenching and empowering, making her journey feel deeply personal and universally relatable.
A still from MANAS. Photo courtesy of SFFILM 2025.
The supporting cast, many of whom are non-professional actors, lend a naturalistic authenticity to the film. Brennand’s background in documentaries clearly informs her direction as she draws nuanced, layered performances from her ensemble. There is a lived-in realism to every interaction, every glance, and every silence that makes the world of Manas feel as real and immediate as a memory.
One of the film’s most powerful elements is its subtle but unwavering focus on the strength and resilience of women, particularly young girls. Without ever veering into melodrama, Manas confronts issues of abuse, familial responsibility, and the difficult choices faced by those with limited means of escape. It paints a sobering portrait of generational trauma, yet it does so with compassion and without judgment. Manas is not a film that offers easy answers or neat resolutions. Instead, it invites contemplation and conversation. It is a story of loss, survival, and the quiet defiance of a girl who refuses to be broken. With its restrained aesthetic, emotionally resonant storytelling, and an unforgettable central performance, Manas stands out as a singular achievement in contemporary cinema.
A still from MANAS. Photo courtesy of SFFILM 2025.
In an industry often dominated by spectacle and formula, Manas reminds us of the power of intimate storytelling and the importance of voices from the margins. It should be on everyone’s radar when it is eventually released, and it deserves to be widely seen and celebrated. This is a film that doesn’t just tell a story — it bears witness.
Screening during San Francisco International Film Festival 2025.
For more information, head to the official SFFILM 2025 Manas webpage.
Final Score: 5 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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