Beyond the Universe

"Beyond the Universe" (original title: "Depois do Universo") tells the story of Nina (Giulia Be), a gifted pianist whose dreams of joining the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra are slipping away due to her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease requiring her to undergo regular hemodialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant. Her pessimistic outlook on life is challenged when she meets Gabriel (Henry Zaga), a resident doctor at her hospital who is full of optimism.

Despite the professional conflict of a doctor-patient relationship, a powerful bond forms between them. Gabriel becomes Nina's biggest supporter, encouraging her not to give up on her musical aspirations and helping her find the strength to fight for her life and her dreams. Their burgeoning romance provides a beacon of hope, but is constantly tested by Nina's deteriorating health and the ethical dilemmas of their connection.

The central message of "Beyond the Universe" is about embracing life and finding hope and love even in the face of immense adversity and mortality. Director Diego Freitas explores the idea that life's value is not measured by its length but by its depth and the connections we make. The film posits that love can be a powerful motivating force, capable of pushing individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds. It is a story about learning to appreciate the small moments and never giving up on one's passions, suggesting that love and memory can transcend physical existence.

While the film's ending is largely straightforward, the final scene where Nina is at Universe Point mountain can be interpreted in a few ways. The most direct interpretation is that she is fulfilling her promise to Gabriel and feeling his spiritual presence, honoring his memory.

A more metaphorical interpretation sees this scene not just as a personal tribute, but as Nina fully internalizing Gabriel's optimistic philosophy. By going to the place that symbolized his dreams and connection to the world, she demonstrates that his spirit and outlook on life now live on through her. The "reunion" is symbolic of her complete acceptance of hope over despair, carrying his legacy within her as she moves forward.

"Beyond the Universe" achieved significant international success for a Brazilian production on Netflix, ranking in the Top 10 in 43 countries and accumulating over 32 million hours watched in its first two weeks. This success was seen by its producers as proof that Brazilian films of various genres can appeal to both national and international audiences.

The film tackles the universal themes of love, loss, and illness, making it relatable to a broad audience despite its specific cultural setting in São Paulo, Brazil. While some critics found the story to be filled with clichés common to the romantic drama genre, many viewers connected deeply with its emotional and hopeful message. The casting of singer Giulia Be in her first acting role also drew considerable attention, and her performance was generally praised, along with her on-screen chemistry with Henry Zaga.

Audience reception for "Beyond the Universe" was largely positive, with many viewers finding it to be a touching and emotional story. The chemistry between the lead actors, Henry Zaga and Giulia Be, was frequently praised as a highlight. Many viewers connected with the film's message of hope and perseverance.

However, a common point of criticism was that the film relied heavily on clichés of the romantic drama and "sick-lit" genres. Some critics and viewers found the plot predictable and overly sentimental. The film's two-hour runtime was also noted as being slightly too long, with some scenes feeling unnecessary to the main plot.