Providence and the Guitar

Léon and Elvira Berthelini are traveling artists who move between towns to make a living. After being chased out of Covarronca by a police commissioner, they encounter a Cambridge student named Stubbs. Together, they find shelter with a painter and his estranged wife, attempting to use their passion for art to help the couple reconcile their relationship. This narrative is entwined with a strange curse that transports the characters into the 21st century, leading to surreal situations involving a rock band and the future of social security.

This Portuguese comedy and drama was directed by João Nicolau, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Mariana Ricardo. The film features a cast of 23 credited performers, including Pedro Inês as Léon, Clara Riedenstein as Elvira, and Salvador Sobral as Stubbs. Other roles are played by Jenna Thiam, Isac Graça, and Américo Silva. Produced by O Som e a Fúria, the movie has a runtime of 125 minutes and was released on August 19, 2026.