In 1775 one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history measuring 8.5-9 on the Richter scale devastated Lisbon. Its centre was in the ocean some 325 kilometres off the coast of the island of Madeira. A tsunami followed. Seismologists predict another similar powerful earthquake in Portugal and the sole question is when. Consider its power at 32,000 Hiroshima atomic bombs exploding simultaneously on the ocean floor.
While here in Thessaloniki, Greece I experienced the aftershocks of a 5.2 earthquake so I may have had a keen interest in this film. Pardon me.
We follow a team of Portuguese scientists all experts in earthquakes as they track alarming data suggesting certain oceanic disturbances are increasing in intensity. Is it a result of a series of malfunctioning sensors that require repair? The Secretary of State of Portugal is briefed by the team informing him a repair bill of 900,000 Euros which will just have to wait until next year when the next state budget is prepared.
The data becomes more ominous to the point a massive earthquake is predicted by the team to strike Lisbon and the Algarve. The team struggles as to the next step. With 30 hours to go do they inform the politicos and threaten mass panic and chaos let alone destroying their careers?
Scientific ethics and political realities interplay.
Imagine a city facing impending devastation with so little time to evacuate.
Perhaps too much Tekkie discussion on the screen but it adds credibility to the plot. The family situation of a leading member of the team Marta (Sara Barros Leitão) is entirely irrelevant and thankfully brief but it should not prevent you from an increasing grip on your chair where I was sitting when the aftershock hit.
A gripping mostly in room drama. It took me a couple of minutes to walk a straight line without holding the wall after the aftershock.
You can screen the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/embed/rJIPdXGFyIU
Directed by Rita Nunes.
RKS 2024 Film Rating 83/100.
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