The radical mind behind the internationally celebrated Aquarius (PSIFF 2017), Kleber Mendonça Filho teams with Juliano Dornelles for the thrilling and enigmatic tale of a proud community and the dangerous game that threatens their livelihood. Returning to her Serra Verde village home of Bacurau to deliver medical supplies and honor her late grandmother, Teresa (Bárbara Colen) is unfazed by the drunken mourning of resident doctor Domingas (scene-stealing Sônia Braga). What riles her and the rest of the village is a visit from smarmy local mayor Tony Junior who is seeking a contested re-election by blocking the town’s waterway. When a horrific tragedy is discovered at a neighboring farm, the citizens of Bacurau begin to discover the nefarious plans of an unknown force led by Michael (a deliciously reptilian Udo Kier). Filho once again masterfully captures the political unrest and turmoil of a not-so-distant-future Brazil through bizarre means that combust with suspense, humor and vitriol.

Winner: Jury Prize, Cannes

In competition for the Ibero-American Award