Monday Morning Maybe

Add your email and we'll match picks to the services you stream at home.

Poster for To the Left of the Father

To the Left of the Father

Seen it?

2001 | 171 min | Romance, Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It drew serious awards attention, though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
If you count yourself among people who like their stories with a little heart-flutter and anyone who likes a story with emotional weight, this one's for you. Made for a blanket and a quiet evening.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
A big, patient story, at 2 hr 51 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 2 hr 51 min.
  • It's in Portuguese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Skip it if romance makes you roll your eyes.

In 1940s São Paulo, Pedro’s tasked to retrieve his estranged brother André. André’s departure stems from a domineering father, an overly affectionate mother, and Pedro’s jealousy over the father’s favoritism. Further complicating matters is André’s unconventional relationship with their sister, Ana.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsStrong

    45 wins and 3 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 3K people sought it out in the past year

More like this

Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks

Cast & crew

Directed by Luiz Fernando Carvalho

  • Selton MelloAndré
  • Raul CortezFather
  • Juliana Carneiro da CunhaMother
  • Simone SpoladoreAna
  • Leonardo MedeirosPedro, the elder brother
  • Caio BlatLula, the younger brother
  • Luiz Fernando CarvalhoAndré - Narrator (voice)
  • Pablo César CâncioAndré as a boy
  • Denise Del VecchioProstitute
  • Mônica NassifSister