Márcia Costa

Alex is an unsuccessful country musician. He returns to his hometown in the heart of the brazilian midlands, a village threatened by industrial agriculture that consumes original forests and challenges settler’s traditional ways of life. he dreams of being a skilled musician like his father lázaro, a sick guitar player in debt with the saints, who must perform a series of religious rituals. however, local rumours say his debts are not with the saints, but with the devil. to save his father and himself, alex journeys into local practices and beliefs.

Much Better Now is a short film exploring the relationship dynamics between Bete, a spontaneous, eccentric older woman, and Dora, an insecure, methodical young woman. Dora finds herself torn between compromising her principles to evict Bete for non-payment of rent or allowing her to stay, thereby opening the door to an unlikely friendship. The narrative delves into themes of abandonment in old age, friendship, and intergenerational connections, while exploring the internal conflicts of both characters.