Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival 2024 – Property, written and directed by Daniel Bandeira, is a white-knuckle thriller that pits two social classes against each other. It has plenty of gruesome kills and an earnest attempt at social commentary. However, the film really doesn’t have any heroes and makes it difficult to side with one group over the other.

The Brazilian feature shocks from the get-go and doesn’t really relent, with a short scene of lead Tereza (Malu Galli) nearly choked to death by an unknown assailant. After that harrowing opening, times passes, but Tereza is tense and anxious, rightfully so. Her husband, Roberto (Tavinho Teixeira), purchases an armored vehicle for her. They then have a little get-a-way at a farm he owns, and he hopes it’ll help her overcome her trauma. Unfortunately, even stepping out of the vehicle and entering another home is difficult for the film’s lead.

The couple isn’t granted any serenity, however. The farm workers are angry that Roberto plans to convert the land into hotel property. They’ve worked there their whole lives, as have some of their children. It’s the only life that they’ve known. Roberto won’t let them just leave without clearing their debts. Essentially, they’re indentured servants who have had enough. When Roberto and Tereza arrive, the workers revolt violently.

In some ways, this is a home invasion movie, but it’s not quite The Strangers or Funny Games. The class commentary isn’t subtle, either. The farm workers believe they have been wronged, and they’re willing to take more and more drastic measures to preserve the farm and their way of life. You do understand where they’re coming from, and Roberto certainly doesn’t come across as a good guy. The workers are a mere afterthought in his decision making. They want to retaliate and run the property.

Unfortunately, Tereza is caught in the middle and spends much of the film trapped in the armored vehicle. On paper, this seems like a superficial concept, but as it plays out in the film, it’s quite gripping. Both she and the workers escalate their attacks against each other. At one point, they even try to smoke her out of the vehicle. There are more than a few kill scenes here that are gory and grisly.

Some viewers may walk away frustrated because the film doesn’t really land on one side. The workers, though they have legitimate gripes and righteous anger, transform into a murderous mob. Tereza makes quite a formidable lead, but the decisions her husband makes weigh heavily on the film, leading to the eventual body count. Does she deserve any of the blame? Maybe, or maybe not. Regardless, she can’t escape. Viewers will likely have mixed reactions towards her and feel conflicted about cheering her on. The same can be said about the workers.

Overall, Property is quite an intense thriller that’s also a unique home invasion film. Its social commentary is a bit too shallow, but it’s still quite an engaging ride regardless.

7 Out of 10