The Highest Brasil

Dark and absurdist, filmmaker Jeremy Curl’s indie feature film The Highest Brasil navigates a bizarre and enthralling tale full of colourful characters and unique introspection. 

Ger Staunton plays Seamus, a down-on-his-luck fisherman (or Sea Captain of One) whose faltering relationship with partner Kathleen (Jennifer Breslin) and career waywardness, have left him bereft of any hope. His humdrum life gets interrupted, however, when he finds a flyer promoting the services of Brendan (Stephen Doring). After meeting Brendan and his misfit acolytes in an abandoned shopping mall, Seamus signs up to the group’s unorthodox rituals and ambition to find a hidden island just off the coast of Ireland, known as The Highest Brasil. 

Exploring the concepts of manipulation, sex, discontent, and more, Curl’s feature film bursts at the seams with thematic depth. The Highest Brasil feels like a movie perfect for fans of Yorgos Lanthimos, with its dry characters and deadpan humour injected in the sharpest manner. Whilst the “wackiness” is enough to alienate a mainstream audience, those who stay will get to witness an incredible tale of humanity and a reflection of our struggle to find purpose in life when we all want to scream “Is this it?!”.

Staunton is phenomenal in the lead role, often delivering with his physical presence more than any dialogue. Numerous scenes where we see his superstitions causing him to engage in ridiculous behaviour, such as turning his clothes inside out or holding his collarbone, cause the audience to emotionally embrace him as a character, one which could just have easily heightened our irritation. Breslin is powerful as the long-suffering partner and is also given plenty of scope to flesh out her character. Kathleen’s job sees her working with a mental health patient, and a particularly nasty one at that. It’s Doring, however, who steals most of the scenes as the enigmatic cult leader in a fluorescent 80s bomber jacket. His passionate sermons and unpredictable behaviour make him a tour-de-force on screen and Doring expertly leans into this. High praise should also be given to the supporting cast of group members, many of whom contribute painfully funny moments, or the more dramatic ones provided by Tanja Karita as Tilda who brilliantly opens the film. 

One aspect of The Highest Brasil which is brilliantly executed is the timeline. It’s a slow-burner but one that explains aspects in perfect time. For example, Seamus’s getting changed outside of his car is only explained later in the film but when this hole gets filled in, it’s an enriching experience for the viewer. Music is also brilliantly used in the movie, with “Track 4” of Brandan’s CD being used numerous times to excellent comic effect. The locations used are also beautiful, with many coastline settings used to represent the isolation of these characters but also the “new beginning” they may be able to find if they could just let go. 

Intelligent, at times poetic, and containing just as much light as dark, The Highest Brasil is a journey well worth the immigration fee. Now, where are my maidens? 

Want to watch our Video Film Review of this film? Click Here.