Matias (Gabriel Faryas) is an aspiring actor who has a simmering rivalry with his friend and fellow cast member Fabio (Henrique Barreira). When Fabio is invited to a casting for a big new TV show, Matias becomes jealous and he throws himself into an affair with married closeted politician Rafael (Cirillo Luna). Initially, Matias has no idea who his should-be one-night-stand is, but as the two continue to hook up, and their encounters become more risqué, Matias realises that Rafael could be the key to him achieving the success he’s long dreamed of.
‘Night Stage’ is the third film from Brazilian directors and writers Filipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon, and it’s the latest film to try and inject new life into the recently resurrected erotic thriller genre. Essentially, the film is a story about two men who can’t be themselves due to the pressure of the society they live in. Matias is desperate for the lead role in a new TV show, but the casting directors aren’t interested because he’s an out-and-proud gay man. Rafael is on the verge of a huge political victory, but his attraction to men and his penchant for public sex, threatens to completely derail his ambitions.
The two men are drawn together for what is planned to be a one-night-stand but soon becomes something regular and addictive. With each encounter their behaviour escalates, with public sex becoming a turn on for them both. Mathias quickly becomes hooked on Rafael and we see the relationship go through the classic push-and-pull that often happens between a gay and a closeted man. Rafael’s right-hand-man Camilo (Ivo Müller) tries to keep tight control over the affair, and his frustration at Rafael’s behaviour soon becomes apparent.
‘Night Stage’ is an enjoyable watch if you turn your brain off and go with the rather unbelievable plot. Nothing that transpires on screen is even remotely likely to actually happen in real life, beyond the fling, and the two central characters have a complete disregard for the consequences of their actions. That contradicts both of their ambitions, but it serves to add an element of high risk into the story. The final act veers into soap opera territory before taking a turn into the bizarre, moving the story even further beyond the realms of possibility.
Gabriel Faryas and Cirillo Luna thrown themselves into their characters with abandon. Their chemistry is undeniably sizzling and if sex scenes are what you’re after, then you won’t leave this film disappointed. Both men bring out the lust in their characters, and you do believe there is a genuine attraction there. Beyond the sex, the writing is lacking and there’s not enough here to understand who these characters really are. Henrique Barreira and Ivo Müller provide solid support, but again they are underwritten.
‘Night Stage’ certainly delivers on the erotic thriller front but it doesn’t manage to give viewers a cohesive story. Littered with contradictions, and more concerned with primal lust, the film misses an opportunity to really explore the two complicated central characters. Punctuated with dance and stage scenes, there’s plenty to enjoy here but you have to accept that the plot is going to be wild otherwise you’ll sit picking holes.
Cast: Gabriel Faryas, Cirillo Luna, Henrique Barreira, Ivo Müller Directors: Filipe Matzembacher, Marcio Reolon Writers: Filipe Matzembacher, Marcio Reolon Certificate: 18 Duration: 119 mins Released by: Peccadillo Pictures Release date: 3rd April 2026 (Cinema) 11th May 2026 (On-Demand)
