From Beginning to End (2009) (Do Começo ao Fim) is a Brazilian drama directed by Aluizio Abranches. The film explores a taboo-breaking and controversial story of an intense, forbidden love between two half-brothers, Francisco (Rui Ricardo Dias) and Thomas (José Carlos Machado), who grow up in a privileged family.
The story begins with Francisco and Thomas as children, raised in the same household by their mother and stepfather. As they grow older, the brothers develop a deep emotional bond that gradually turns romantic. Their love is passionate but also filled with guilt and confusion, as both are aware of the societal and moral taboos surrounding their feelings. The film portrays their complicated relationship, spanning through their childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.
While the brothers try to resist their emotions due to societal pressures and their awareness of the moral consequences, their love for each other grows. As they navigate the complexities of their relationship, the film delves into questions about the boundaries of love, the forces of family and societal expectations, and how both their love and their sense of self-identity are challenged by their forbidden connection.
The plot explores how Francisco and Thomasβs bond is both fulfilling and tragic, leading them to face harsh consequences that stem from their inability to conform to conventional norms. The emotional intensity builds as they confront the social and personal implications of their relationship.
From Beginning to End stirred significant controversy due to its subject matter, drawing both praise and criticism. It sparked important conversations about the limits of love and the boundaries of societal norms, especially in the context of LGBTQ+ and family dynamics. While some viewers and critics appreciated the filmβs boldness and its exploration of taboo subjects, others criticized it for promoting what they considered immoral behavior.
From Beginning to End (2009) is a provocative film that challenges conventional notions of love, family, and morality. Through its controversial story of forbidden love, it prompts viewers to question the boundaries of societal taboos and the emotional complexity of human relationships. The film remains an important, albeit divisive, piece of cinema for its raw exploration of desire, family, and the consequences of living outside societal norms.