Don't Call Me Son 2016
Directed by
Anna Muylaert
Made by
Zeitgeist Films
Plot Summary
Pierre, a seemingly ordinary middle-class Brazilian teenager, is on a personal quest of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of his gender identity and sexual orientation without a care in the world. Living in a comfortable suburban neighborhood of São Paulo with his adoptive mother and sister, he finds solace in his modest yet joyful home life. However, his reality is turned upside down when detectives come to inform him that his true name is Felipe and that he was stolen from the hospital by the very woman he has always referred to as his mother.
Following a DNA test that confirms his true lineage, Felipe—formerly known as Pierre—finds himself in a complex situation where his custody is transferred to his biological family, while his adoptive mother faces imprisonment for not only taking him but also abducting his sister from another family. In shock and left with no options, Felipe is compelled to move in with his new family, who live in a world of privilege and conservatism.
As he adjusts to his new life, the initial thrill begins to wane, and the pressure to conform emerges. His conservative parents—particularly his father—struggle to accept him, especially as Felipe’s gender-bending persona clashes with their traditional views. The tension escalates into a series of profound conflicts, revealing the stark contrast between their expectations of who their son should be and the individual Felipe/Pierre knows he is. Ultimately, the poignancy of his situation is punctuated by the presence of his biological brother, who, despite being overlooked by their parents, becomes the sole figure in Felipe’s life that truly understands him.
Timeline
Introduction of Pierre
The film begins with Pierre, a middle-class Brazilian teenager, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Living with his adoptive mother and sister in São Paulo, he navigates the complexities of his gender identity and sexual orientation.
Revelation of True Identity
Pierre's life dramatically changes when detectives arrive to inform him about his true identity as Felipe. They reveal he was stolen from the hospital by his adoptive mother, leading to a shock that reshapes his understanding of family.
DNA Confirmation
Following the detectives' revelation, a DNA test is conducted to confirm Felipe's true lineage. The results validate the claim, forcing Felipe to confront a harsh new reality as he learns he must leave his familiar life behind.
Custody Transfer
After the DNA test results, custody of Felipe is transferred from his adoptive mother to his biological family. This transfer represents not just a legal change, but a complete upheaval of Felipe's established identity and home.
Adoptive Mother's Arrest
Felipe's adoptive mother faces arrest for the abduction of Felipe and his biological sister. The situation highlights the severity of her actions and the ripple effects they have on all involved, including Felipe's emotional turmoil.
Moving In
Felipe is compelled to move in with his biological family, who live in a privileged environment starkly different from his past. As he adjusts, he experiences both a sense of novelty and an increasing discomfort in his new life.
Struggles with Acceptance
As Felipe begins to settle in with his biological parents, he faces challenges regarding their conservative attitudes. The pressure to conform to their expectations becomes evident, especially from his father, who struggles to accept Felipe's identity.
Conflict Arises
Tension escalates between Felipe and his parents as they confront the disparity between their traditional views and his gender-bending persona. This conflict serves as a pivotal moment in Felipe's journey of self-acceptance.
Isolation from Family
Felipe feels increasingly isolated from his biological family, who are unable to see him for who he truly is. This sense of alienation deepens his internal struggle, weighing heavily on his emotional wellbeing.
Connection with Biological Brother
Amidst the chaos of adapting to his new life, Felipe finds solace in his biological brother. This connection becomes crucial, as his brother understands Felipe's struggles, offering a sense of acceptance that is missing from their parents.
Identity Reclamation
Realizing the importance of being true to himself, Felipe begins to reclaim his identity. He navigates the challenges posed by his family dynamics while forging a path towards self-acceptance and authenticity.
Final Confrontation
The film builds to a climax as Felipe faces a final confrontation with his parents regarding his identity. This moment brings forth long-standing tensions, forcing everyone involved to reflect on love, acceptance, and understanding.
Acceptance and Understanding
Through ongoing dialogues and conflicts, some familial acceptance begins to emerge. Felipe's journey exemplifies the complexity of true acceptance, highlighting both the struggles and triumphs in his path to self-discovery.
Journey Towards Self-Discovery
The story concludes with Felipe finding solace in his identity and the support of his brother. His journey emphasizes the enduring quest for self-acceptance amidst challenges, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding oneself.
Characters
Felipe (formerly Pierre)
Felipe is a complex character caught in a whirlwind of identity crisis after discovering his true origins. He embodies the struggles of a young person seeking to assert his individuality against societal norms. His journey reflects resilience and the importance of self-acceptance despite familial pressures.
Adoptive Mother
The adoptive mother initially provides Felipe with a loving home, but her actions lead to tragic consequences. She embodies the theme of conflict between love and moral decision-making, ultimately facing repercussions for her past. Her character illustrates the complex nature of familial bonds under strain.
Biological Father
Felipe's biological father represents traditional values and the resistance to change. His struggle to accept Felipe's identity highlights generational and ideological conflicts within families. Through their interactions, the film explores the challenge of reconciling love with differing views on identity.
Setting
Time period
The film does not specify a particular time period, allowing it to resonate with contemporary themes and issues surrounding identity and conformity. This timelessness underscores the universal struggle for acceptance and self-discovery faced by many individuals today.
Location
São Paulo
São Paulo is a sprawling metropolis known for its rich cultural scene and diverse population. The urban environment is marked by a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical architecture, creating a dynamic backdrop for personal stories. It plays a pivotal role in highlighting the contrasts between different social classes and lifestyles.
Themes
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Identity
The theme of identity is central to 'Don't Call Me Son,' as it explores the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. Felipe grapples with his true identity amidst the upheaval of learning his biological origins. This theme reflects the complexities of gender and acceptance within familial and societal structures.
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Privilege
The film highlights the theme of privilege, particularly in contrasting Felipe's initial life with his adoptive family and his new, affluent background. This disparity emphasizes the challenges faced by those who do not fit the normative expectations of their socio-economic status, particularly regarding gender identity.
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Family Conflict
Family conflict forms a crucial part of the narrative as Felipe must navigate his new circumstances with his biological family. The tension between his identity and his conservative family's expectations brings to light the emotional struggles of acceptance and love within familial relationships.
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