Watch Shine Your Eyes

Shine Your Eyes is a captivating and mysterious film that explores themes of identity, family, and perception. The movie follows Amadi (O.C. Ukeje), a young Nigerian musician who travels to the bustling city of São Paulo, Brazil in search of his missing brother, Ikenna. Once there, he discovers Ikenna's belongings abandoned in his apartment and sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about what happened to him.

As Amadi delves deeper into Ikenna's world, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and danger. He encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a troubled filmmaker, a charismatic artist, and a wise old man who becomes a father figure to him. Through these experiences, he begins to question his own identity and beliefs, eventually realizing that what he thought he knew about himself and his family may not be true.

Part mystery, part drama, Shine Your Eyes masterfully blends different genres and styles to create a unique and immersive cinematic experience. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the vibrant colors and energy of São Paulo's streets and neighborhoods. The use of sound is equally impressive, with a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the film's tense and emotional moments.

At the heart of Shine Your Eyes is O.C. Ukeje's captivating performance as Amadi. He brings a depth and vulnerability to the character that makes him instantly relatable and sympathetic. Indira Nascimento, who plays the enigmatic artist Emilia, gives a standout performance that perfectly captures the complex and alluring nature of her character. Chukwudi Iwuji also shines as the wise old man who becomes Amadi's mentor and guide.

The film's director, Matias Mariani, and writer, Chika Anadu, have created a rich and intricate world that draws the viewer in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. They tackle complex issues such as immigration, gentrification, and cultural identity with sensitivity and nuance, making Shine Your Eyes a thought-provoking and timely work of cinema.

Overall, Shine Your Eyes is a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring different cultures and perspectives through cinema. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer long after the credits have rolled.

Shine Your Eyes is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 79.