"Socrates" follows the story of a 15-year-old boy thrust into adult responsibilities following the sudden death of his mother. With no family support and facing the threat of being institutionalized, Socrates fights to stay afloat in the gritty outskirts of São Paulo. As he struggles to find work due to his age, he meets Maicon, a fellow worker at a junkyard, with whom he forms a complex relationship. The film captures Socrates' relentless struggle against the odds in a society that offers little compassion to the marginalized.
“Socrates” presents a narrative that, at first glance, might seem unrelentingly bleak. Yet, it’s no surprise that Alex Moratto’s debut feature garnered the Independent Spirit “Someone to Watch” Award, alongside numerous other accolades on the festival circuit. Moratto infuses this grim tale of slum life with a unique blend of energy and compassion that elevates it above mere despair.
The film features standout performances from its two young leads, portraying the struggle of a poor gay teen striving to survive after his mother’s death in São Paulo. Despite its brief runtime, the movie delivers a fully realized and engrossing story. Breaking Glass is set to release the film in select U.S. theaters in early August, with a DVD/VOD launch to follow later in the month.
“Socrates” was created with a crew of 16- to 20-year-olds from the Quero Institute, a UNICEF-supported initiative that introduces low-income São Paulo youths to filmmaking. However, this film transcends the typical “student project” label, showcasing a strong vision from the very first shot—one in which 15-year-old Socrates (Christian Malheiros) desperately tries to wake his lifeless mother.
Socrates is initially numb with shock, a state compounded by a well-meaning social worker’s interview. We learn that he and his mother had only recently moved into their apartment. The threat of being placed in a juvenile home jolts him into action. Gradually, we understand that they fled his father (Jayme Rodrigues), and the reasons behind this become clear over time. Socrates is determined to avoid both the orphanage and his father’s home at all costs.
With the rent overdue and options dwindling, Socrates tries to keep his mother’s death a secret while attempting to take over her janitorial job. However, her boss refuses to pay him. Due to his age, he is ineligible for most jobs. Eventually, he secures a temporary position at a junkyard, where he clashes with a fellow worker, Maicon (Tales Ordakji). This conflict unexpectedly leads to a passionate, if complicated, relationship.
Maicon becomes an ally, though a limited one, as Socrates’ situation grows increasingly dire. Facing hunger and the imminent threat of homelessness, Socrates’ determination never wavers. Moratto’s direction ensures that this relentless struggle feels urgent rather than hopeless. Socrates remains a resilient fighter, exploring every possible option to survive.
Malheiros’ performance captures the protagonist’s toughness and maturity, while Ordakji excels as the reluctant friend. These two actors, though making their screen debuts, display a depth that suggests promising careers ahead. The film’s raw realism is enhanced by Joao Gabriel de Queiroz’s cinematography, which uses mostly hand-held camera work to convey Socrates’ exhausted and hungry perspective. The film’s aesthetic is simple yet rich in detail, focusing on the protagonist’s dilapidated surroundings and almost entirely devoid of soundtrack music.
Overall, “Socrates” is a compelling, heartening film that, despite its grim premise, showcases the indomitable spirit of its young hero.
