Directors Marcio Reolon and Filipe Matzembacher Reveal Cinematic Influences for Queer Noir 'Night Stage'

Brazilian filmmakers Marcio Reolon and Filipe Matzembacher, currently based in Berlin, have released their new erotic thriller 'Night Stage' in UK cinemas. The film follows actor Matias, portrayed by Gabriel Faryas, and politician Rafael, played by Cirillo Luna, as they navigate clandestine encounters in public spaces around Porto Alegre, Brazil. Drawing inspiration from classic thrillers, the directors organized a screening of Paul Verhoeven's 1992 film 'Basic Instinct' for their cast before production began. Reolon and Matzembacher cite Brian De Palma's 1981 film 'Blow Out' for its approach to desire and audience participation, while Claude Chabrol's 1970 work 'Le Boucher' influenced the film's slow-burning tension. David Cronenberg's 1996 movie 'Crash' provided a non-judgmental perspective on kink, and Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 classic 'North by Northwest' inspired specific visual homages. The Brazilian film 'República de Assassinos' (1979) by Miguel Faria Jr. served as a key reference for its queer noir elements and portrayal of a trans femme fatale character. 'Night Stage' explores themes of assimilation and compartmentalization within heteronormative society, with Rafael prioritizing career ambitions over openness about his sexuality. The narrative parallels the theatrical stage with cruising locations, emphasizing the significance of gaze in both settings. Reolon notes that the film critiques neoliberal success narratives that demand conformity from queer individuals.