Cidade Rabat

Cidade Rabat, the latest feature from Portuguese filmmaker Susana Nobre, anchors around Helena (Raquel Castro) in the aftermath of her mother’s death – an event that closes her off to the world around her. She becomes emotionally distant from her teenage daughter and despondent towards her boyfriend whilst attempting to fill the void in her life with dancing and alcohol. Nobre’s keenly observed and grounded approach to the subject of bereavement creates a strong sense of place. However, Helena’s defensive walls prove to be so impenetrable that audiences are prohibited from gaining an understanding of the character on an intimate level. The result is a well-made but tiresome affair that creates a disconnect with viewers.

Nobre’s film opens with a Helena reminiscing about the residents who used to live in her apartment building when she was younger. Next, we see her mother tearing in half photographs of memories she can no longer recall. The initial impression is that Cidade Rabat concerns itself with ideas of time and the past, but when this is followed by a scene of Helena and her sister sitting with an undertaker discussing whether their mother should be in an open or closed casket, it’s like the script’s train of thought has been derailed by the sudden death. The woman who was moments ago so curious and introspective becomes immovably stoic.

It’s with this change in the protagonist’s temperament that the production’s pacing lulls to a crawl as the tone takes on Helena’s detached energy. Castro’s performance occasionally allows for brief glimpses into what’s going on beyond the character’s defences, however these are never big enough to connect with what she’s going through on a meaningful level. When the time comes for the credits to roll, ending on a note as jarring as the opening, little has been learned about who this woman really is.

Helena’s life continues to move on after the life-changing event, and Cidade Rabat begins to paint a portrait of grief. But without allowing a deeper insight into the innermost workings of the protagonist, Nobre’s newest film lacks the emotional resonance needed for Helena’s story to make an impact on viewers. 

Andrew Murray

Cidade Rabat does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for Cidade Rabat here: