Quartile rating: 8/10 · 1 rating
Leonardo is a blind teenager dealing with an overprotective mother while trying to live a more independent life. To the disappointment of his best friend, Giovana, he plans to go on an exchange program abroad. When Gabriel, a new student in town, arrives at their classroom, new feelings blossom in Leonardo making him question his plans.
The Way He Looks is a gentle, warmly received Brazilian coming-of-age romance that earns its reputation through sincerity and emotional authenticity rather than any single exceptional element. The plot is tender and well-paced but follows familiar coming-of-age/first-love beats, elevated mainly by the distinctive lens of Leonardo's blindness. Acting from the young leads is natural and appealing without being transformative. Cinematography is clean and softly lit in a way that suits the tone, but not visually ambitious. Novelty gets a modest lift from the blindness dimension and the Brazilian setting, which give it a distinct texture compared to generic teen romance, though the overall shape remains conventional. The ending is emotionally satisfying and honest without being surprising. Across the board, a genuinely above-average film in all respects, but not exceptional in any single category.