Toll

Directed by Carolina Markowicz, Toll follows a Brazilian single mother (Maeve Jinkings’ Suellen) as she falls in with criminals after she decides to spring for gay-conversion therapy for her son (Kauan Alvarenga’s Antonio). Filmmaker Markowicz, armed with blahs screenplay, has infused Toll with the feel of a very, very deliberate character study, as the movie, particularly in its meandering first half, has been overloaded with a whole host of seemingly inconsequential episodes – with the emphasis generally placed on the protagonist’s difficult day-to-day circumstances. It’s somewhat interesting yet far-from-engrossing stuff that hardly even seems to be leading anywhere compelling, which ensures that the comparatively eventful midsection packs more of an enervating punch than one might’ve anticipated – with the inclusion of some compelling thriller-like elements enhancing the picture’s watchable vibe. By the time the surprisingly solid ending rolls around, Toll has confirmed its place as a rewarding (albeit erratic) drama that goes in admittedly unexpected directions.

**1/2 out of ****