Motel Destino Trailer: Karim Aïnouz’s Sensuous Drama Scheduled for August Debut

      Karim Aïnouz, director of The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão and Firebrand, returned to the Cannes Film Festival last year with Motel Destino, an erotic drama that was acquired by Strand Releasing. As it gears up for an August 29 release at NYC's IFC Center, the new trailer and poster have been unveiled.

      The synopsis reads: “Set against the backdrop of the neon-lit Motel Destino, a roadside sex hotel simmering under the blazing blue skies of Brazil's northeastern coast, the establishment is managed by hot-tempered Elias and his restless young wife, Dayana. The sudden arrival of 21-year-old Heraldo, fleeing from a failed assassination attempt, upends the existing dynamic. As this tropical noir unfolds, intertwining loyalties and desires come to light, demonstrating that destiny has its own mysterious intentions.”

      In her Cannes review, Savina Petkova remarked, “In essence, Brazilian motels are spaces designed for sexual encounters. It’s a well-known fact that draws no criticism. Patrons pay by the hour for access to a suite complete with a large bed, on-demand pornography, and red or blue lighting to enhance the intimate experience—fulfilling their bodily needs. Beyond serving as a transient haven for the sexually inclined, these motels are also places where relationships are deepened through each act of intimacy. Aïnouz focuses on one such venue in Motel Destino, marking his sixth entry at Cannes and second in the Main Competition. The film is set in Ceará on Brazil's northeastern coast, with the cinematic portrayal of Aïnouz’s home region shimmering under the equatorial sun, the ocean lapping at the shore, while many resort to crime to make ends meet: an ideal backdrop for a lively noir.”

      Check out the trailer and poster below.