In Therapy (2009) User Reviews

A Realistic Contemporary Dramatic Comedy

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 26 June 2009]

In Rio de Janeiro, the forty and something years old Mercedes (Lília Cabral) goes to the psychoanalyst and tells the story of her life since she was a girl and lost her mother. Along the three years of analysis, her life changes and she divorces from her husband Gustavo (José Mayer) and has love affairs with the younger Theo (Reynaldo Gianecchini) and other young men, always supported by her best friend Monica (Alexandra Richter). When she is discharged by her doctor, she concludes that life is unpredictable and is to be enjoyed while we are alive.

"Divã" is a dramatic comedy with a simple and realistic story of a mature married woman with two sons that changes her life after going to her psychoanalyst that works because of the excellent performance of Lília Cabral. This awesome actress alternates funny with dramatic moments giving total credibility to her character Mercedes. Many viewers many not like the non-commercial epilogue of the story that shifts the genre from comedy to drama. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Divã" ("Divan")

A very realistic and plausible story of a 40 year-old woman

[Lady_Targaryen · 6/10 · 24 June 2009]

Mercedes is a married 40 year-old woman with two sons and with a stable life. She decides to go to the analyst as a new experience and many things will start to change in her life after this decision.

I watched ''Divã'' in the movie theaters with one of my best friends, who told me that many people liked this movie. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either;the story itself is nice, but I guess the main problem is that I didn't like/identify with Mercedes, who is very passive in dealing with things in her life. (Who sees the husband cheating and acts like her,frankly?)

A good point about this movie is that it is very realistic, and the main character Mercedes gets divorced and also loses her best friend, who dies, so for people who enjoy not- so- happy endings, this movie is perfect.

Ps: Reynaldo Gianecchini is very handsome in this movie! Girls, don't miss that!

AFRAID OF BEING HAPPY

[nogodnomasters · 8/10 · 9 May 2019]

Mercedes (Lília Cabral) is facing a mid-life crisis. She has grown apart from her husband who she believes is having an affair. Her best friend Monica (Alexandra Richter) takes her under her wing as Mercedes tries to enjoy life outside of her self gratifications thinking about Mel Gibson (most likely the younger Mel Gibson). Her story is told to us as she discusses her life with a therapist, one she insists she doesn't need.

The film is billed as a comedy, and indeed it has some humorous scenes such as when the women are talking about self gratification ignoring the young male waiter standing over their table with his mouth agape..."Will that be check or cash?" Mercedes admits she did not cry when her mother died...and doesn't cry over death. The therapist attempts to come back to this, but Mercedes claims it is meaningless. ** MINI PLOT SPOILER**Indeed, it isn't until Mercedes does cry over the death of someone, that she can realize she really is happy.

It is an interesting indie style film. The humor had me laughing only a few times. Much of the humor was Hispanic schtick, consisting of physical humor. The biggest obstacle to enjoying this film was of course the subtitles. Worth a view if you enjoy the indie style and can handle subtitles (or know Portuguese). 3 1/2 stars.

F-bombs, sex, brief nudity?