The Tenants

Night after night we watch as the news reports stories of horrifying crimes. We are safe and unthreatened from the confines of our living rooms. But what happens when that danger moves closer to home? What happens when that danger moves in next door? THE TENANTS is the story of Valter, an average, overworked man with a wife and two kids who still lives in the house his father built in Brazil. When three young, loud, and lawless men move in next door, Valter's exhaustion and patience are pushed to the limit. Each night the new tenants cause trouble, keeping his family up all hours, racing down the streets, and harassing Valter's other elderly and helpless neighbor Dimas. But Valter is a peaceful man who believes it's safer to avoid confrontation-that is until the confrontation creeps closer and closer to his doorstep. His paranoia takes over as he starts to obsess about the threat these men present – not only to his family, but also to his community. He dreams that his wife becomes involved with them as he is away at work, resists letting his children play outdoors, and begins to suspect them of the crimes he hears about on television. When Dimas comes to Valter for help, Valter must ultimately decide whether to intervene or to safely remain on his side of the fence. (In Portuguese with subtitles) – M.M.