Sometimes, a film can be predictable, borderline mawkish, and still fall into the feel-good slot. The Brazilian film, Caramelo, is one such.
Directed by Diego Freitas, it has the typical “man and his dog” narrative, that would make animal lovers go “awwww” –and in this case both the dog and his human are undeniably cute. Plus, there’s luscious-looking food, so what’s not to like!
The film’s protagonist is Pedro (Rafael Vitti), a young, ambitious chef in São Paulo whose career is just taking off when his life takes a sharp, devastating turn. He is diagnosed with brain cancer, which is life-threatening and possibly incurable. At that moment, a scruffy, perpetually hungry (he repeatedly actually licks his chops) caramel-colored stray dog forces his way into Pedro’s restaurant and then his apartment. The “demon dog” as Pedro’s neighbour calls him, trashes the apartment, will not listen to commands and attacks any food left unattended for a minute. The sheer force of the dog’s wilful personality and the mayhem caused provides the first glimmers of joy in Pedro’s spiraling world, even as his antics exasperate. The chef names him Caramelo, and what follows is a familiar, sentimental but also expertly executed, journey of friendship and healing.
Through Caramelo, Pedro meets Camila (Arianne Botelho), a pretty dog trainer, and her pushy co-worker (Noemia Oliviera) helps the romance along. Despite his fragile health, Pedro is inspired to live life to the fullest, by another patient at the hospital, Leo (Bruno Vinicius). His mother (Kelzy Ecard) and co-worker Paula (Ademara) form the rest of his support system, with Caramelo always coming to the rescue.
The dog, a real-life rescue named Amendoim, is the star of the film. Director Freitas captures expressions and recognizable canine traits to make Caramelo so lovable. The romance with Camila almost takes a backseat. There are, however, the obligatory food preparation (mouth-watering) scenes in kitchens, and the impressing of a snooty food critic with a simple street food dish (like in Ratatouille).
The tasteless dog food that Caramelo refuses to eat, gives the now unemployed Pedro the idea of a food truck that serves human as well as flavourful dog cuisine– and it is a hit. The film’s focus remains on how Caramelo’s boundless energy and loyalty help Pedro navigate his obstacles with courage and grace. That gives the film an emotional touch, without overdoing the tragic undertones. The upbeat background score keeps the weight of the cancer plot from becoming too heavy.
Diego Freitas is not aiming at anything new in the film’s story or style, but makes the film sweet, uplifting and heartwarming. Pet lovers will find it even more appealing.
Caramelo
Directed by Diego Freitas
Cast: Rafael Vitti, Arianne Botelho, Noemia Oliveira, Ademara,
On Netflix
